Professional help for gambling addiction
Why you should see a specialist
Deep analysis of the causes of addiction. The psychotherapist will identify hidden triggers (stress, childhood trauma, personality traits).
Individual recovery program. A structured plan based on your condition, resources and lifestyle.
Relapse prevention. Mastering the skills of coping with cravings, preventing breakdowns and developing new behavior strategies.
Professional Support Options
How to choose a specialist
1. Qualification check:- University education (psychology/psychiatry).
- Certificates for CBT or dependencies.
- Experience with gambling addiction or structural addictions (drugs, alcohol).
- Honest customer feedback, recommendations from trusted communities.
- Rate comfort: how easy it is for you to discuss a problem; history collection method; first steps plan.
- Compare prices and frequency of sessions, check the possibility of insurance or subsidies.
What happens in the first meetings
1. History and diagnosis:- Interviews, questionnaires (Gambling Severity Index, etc.), identification of related problems.
- Short-term (game stop, impulse control).
- Long-term (restoration of financial and social balance).
- CBT: working with "I have to win" beliefs, rethinking risks.
- Motivational interview: increased internal motivation for change.
- Emotional self-regulation skills: breathing practices, mindfulnes.
- Usually 1-2 times a week, 45-60 minutes.
Support groups and anonymous players
GA meeting structure:1. Reading the "Symbols of Hope" is the opening prayer.
2. Reading "12 Steps" and discussing personal experiences.
3. Sponsorship is a permanent curator from among the group's veterans.
Advantages:- Non-evaluative communication.
- Sense of involvement.
- Practical advice from people with real experience.
Medication support
Indications:- Concomitant depression, anxiety or panic disorders.
- Strong autonomic reactions in failure (tremor, tachycardia).
- SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline) in depression.
- Short-acting benzodiazepines for acute anxiety (only course up to 2-3 weeks).
- Admission under the supervision of a psychiatrist.
- Evaluation of efficacy and side effects in 2-4 weeks.
Independent steps between sessions
1. Keeping a diary of progress: record thoughts, emotions, situations of temptation and applied techniques.
2. Homework from the therapist: exercises to recognize and stop automatic thoughts.
3. Skills practice: breathing techniques, meditation, alternative activities.
4. Contact with sponsor or trustee: daily reports on a short checklist.
How to assess the effectiveness of care
When to change specialist or method
No progress after 8-12 sessions.
Deterioration.
Uncomfortable methods.
Conflict with therapist.
In this case, discuss with your therapist the adjustment of the plan or the search for another specialist.
Conclusion
Professional assistance is a key component of the comprehensive rejection of online casinos. A properly selected therapist, structured program, support groups and, if necessary, drug therapy create a reliable recovery system. Actively participate in the process, complete homework and openly discuss your feelings - this will speed up your path to freedom from addiction.
