Gambling Addiction Treatment Blog

Gambling takes more than it ever gives. It can destroy lives, relationships, and can cause financial ruin. With Problem Gambling Awareness Month coming to a close, let’s take a look at some realistic ways to get out of gambling debt. 

Tags: Gambling Addiction, Treatment, debt

Algamus is proud to announce that 2022 marks 30 years of treating gambling addiction. From our humble beginnings to now having treated thousands of individuals, we have learned and observed so much over the course of three decades that have helped us shape Algamus into what it is today. 

Tags: Gambling Addiction, Treatment, Recovery

Many people don’t realize that a gambling disorder and a substance use disorder have some notable similarities, and it is common for these two disorders to go hand in hand. Typically, if a person has a compulsive gambling disorder, they are more likely to develop an alcohol or substance use disorder, and vice versa.

Tags: Gambling Addiction, Dual Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, substance abuse

All Bets Are Off is a gambling addiction recovery podcast created by three gambling addicts in recovery, along with a passionate researcher whose father struggled with a gambling addiction. 

 

Recently, Ryan of All Bets Are Off sat down with Algamus founder, Rick Benson, to discuss Rick's past with gambling, and how he started Algamus Gambling Treatment Center. 

Listen to the full podcast here. 

Tags: Gambling Addiction, Treatment, Recovery

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.

Tags: Gambling Addiction, Treatment, Recovery

Sports betting is a common, casual activity that sports fans like to engage in as they watch games, but is it as harmless as it seems? With the NFL starting next week, and the NHL and NBA starting shortly after, it’s the perfect time to educate yourself about sports betting before placing bets on these games. 

Tags: Gambling Addiction, Treatment, Recovery, sports betting

Everyone has different coping mechanisms, and for some, it’s gambling. A gambling addiction seems easy to hide at first, but many who suffer from gambling addiction often suffer silently.

 

Different subtypes of gambling disorder, such as action or escape gambling, use gambling habits to suppress distress, which brings up a range of issues particular to each group. 

 

Gambling addictions are not as black and white as they may seem, and quitting is not as simple as “just stopping.” By learning the differences between these subtypes of gambling disorder, gamblers can learn how to avoid hurtful habits. 

Tags: Gambling Addiction, Treatment, Recovery

While casinos love to create a fun, welcome atmosphere where everyone wins, there are tactics that casinos use which enable gamblers in their addiction. 

 

In fact, casinos design their building layouts and game rooms to keep you there as long as possible, so that they can make more money off of your losses. 

 

Here are a few ways that casinos enable your gambling habits. 

Tags: Gambling Addiction, Treatment, Recovery

Gambling is often framed as being a harmless form of entertainment, whether it’s betting on sports, playing slot machines, or buying lottery tickets. The normalization and accessibility of gambling are greatly contributing to the rise in compulsive gambling.

 

Many compulsive gamblers know that it’s not a harmless hobby. In fact, gambling has serious effects on your mental health. One study found biopsychosocial effects caused by pathological gambling, leading to direct triggers and worsening depression, anxiety, obsessive disorders, and personality disorders. 

Tags: Gambling Addiction, Treatment, Recovery

Craig Carton, host of WFAN’s radio show, “Hello, My Name is Craig,” recently attended Algamus to treat his compulsive gambling disorder. Over the weekend, he sat down with Algamus founder, Rick Benson, to discuss Rick’s past with gambling, and how he went on to start Algamus, one of the only gambling-specific treatment centers in America.

Listen to the audio recording of the interview here.

Tags: Gambling Addiction, Treatment, Recovery