Gambling Addiction
Sahara Behaviiral Health is here to help you through gambling addiction. Gambling addiction is the uncontrollable urge to continue gambling despite the toll it takes on one’s life and family. Gambling is addictive because it stimulates the brain’s reward system much like drugs or alcohol can. In fact, gambling addiction is the most common impulse control disorder worldwide.
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of a gambling addiction, including: desperation for money, the “high” that comes from the thrill of betting, and the intoxicating atmosphere of the gambling scene.
Similar to addictive substances like meth and cocaine, gambling addiction is associated with release of dopamine within the brain. Addictive substances affect the brain’s reward system and release up to 10 times the normal amount of dopamine. Continuous use then causes the body to develop a tolerance, as natural production of dopamine is inhibited and the body needs more and more of the stimulating substance in order to receive the same rush.Those suffering from a gambling addiction often describe a sense of loss of control in which they believe they are incapable of avoiding or stopping gambling.
Treatment
Similar to other behavioral addictions, our therapists have found that compulsive gamblers respond positively to pharmacological and psychosocial treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy has shown to be particularly effective in addressing gambling addictions, as it teaches relapse prevention skills and how to change habits, as well as identifying the underlying cause of addiction. Additionally, support groups and 12-step programs, like Gamblers Anonymous, are helpful as they offer judgment-free support for fellow recovering gambling addicts. We are here to help you gain control of your life and gambling disorder to return to healthy habits.
TMS
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been found to be an effective treatment for gambling addiction. TMS targets the impulse and reward areas of the brain that are negatively impacted by gambling and can work to regulate and restore those areas to proper function. Medications help you cope by reducing urges, while counseling helps you develop the skills you need to give up gambling for good. The more time you spend with a counselor, the better your treatment results will be. TMS can help rewire the neural pathways to decrease symptoms and urges and reduce the impulse to gamble.T ogether with medication, counseling, and treatments like TMS you CAN quit!