Gambling Addiction Treatment Blog

Gambling is very normalized in our culture, with approximately 85% of American adults having gambled at least once in their lives, and 65% within the last year. Although many people can gamble without becoming addicted, there are many risks involved when it comes to wagering any amount of money.

In order to help a family member who may be struggling with gambling, or to avoid developing a compulsive gambling disorder yourself, it’s important to be aware of the signs of each stage of a gambling disorder.

Gambling can be a casual and fun pastime, but for some people it can become an addiction that's hard to break. If you think gambling might be a problem for you, it's important to understand your gambling triggers and find healthier ways to spend your time.

Gambling addiction can affect anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender. If you're worried that your spouse may have a gambling problem, it's important to know the signs.

Gambling is on the rise among teenagers, and  between 60 percent and 80 percent of high school students report having gambled for money in the past year, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Of this percentage, 4-6% are considered to be problem gamblers. 

Gambling is something that needs to be taken seriously, as it can be extremely damaging, especially for young people.

The life of a professional gambler may look appealing, but is it possible to gamble this frequently without getting addicted? 

Online gambling addiction is a serious problem that can cause a lot of damage, although the problem can often go unnoticed by the gambler and those who are close to them. 

When a person has a gambling addiction, it does not only affect the individual, but all the people who are close to them. In fact, it’s estimated that one problem gambler affects at least seven other people, which could include a spouse, children, family members, and friends. 

Everyone has different ways of coping with stress. While some may turn to exercise or watching a TV show, others turn to gambling as a way to minimize their stress. This can lead to a vicious cycle that can cause a person to become utterly consumed by gambling.

Gambling addiction is commonly perceived as being a “man’s problem,” but women are also susceptible to developing a gambling problem. The gap between men and women struggling with gambling is dwindling, and the rate at which women meet the criteria for gambling addiction is rising.

Recent data from the National Gambling Treatment Service has shown that the number of women receiving treatment for gambling in the U.K. has doubled in the past five years.

It is known that video games can be addicting, but some studies are now suggesting that gaming can even be a gateway into gambling. The vast majority of American children and adolescents play video games, with the average child and adolescent playing between 13 and 14 hours of video games per week. Video games also play a large role in the lives of young adults, with 38% of US gamers aged between 18 and 34. 

What are the risks of gaming, and how can you protect your child from developing an unhealthy relationship with gaming that could turn into gambling?