Do You Have an Online Gambling Addiction?

Resources on Internet Gambling Addiction and Treatment Options

Problem gambling is a serious issue because back in 2021, the rate of problem gambling was 4%. And the same scientific study gives us additional data that confirms how online gambling addiction was over 21%. Not only that, the study also indicated that online gamblers are more likely to develop a gambling disorder (we’ll get to that later).

One of the main reasons, that we think, is due to the abundance of online gambling avenues. From online gambling sites to mobile and desktop applications, we’re surrounded by it. There’s poker, blackjack, slots, sports betting, and what seems like an endless variety of gambling games.

And for someone like you or a loved one who is struggling with overcoming their gambling problem, finding a way out can be difficult. Therefore, it is important to get the help you need to overcome gambling addiction.

You could be battling a problematic gambling behavior, hiding it from your friends and family. We understand, it’s not easy to let go of that “rush” you get after a slot machine spins. But your mental health and financial well-being can offer you the greatest satisfaction you need.

At Icarus Behavioral Health in Las Vegas, Nevada, we offer resources and gambling addiction treatment to those seeking professional care. We offer guidance, link you to a support network, and help you toward lasting recovery.

Call us today to get a confidential consultation with one of our best.

What is Online Gambling Addiction?

It is a behavioral disorder that refers to when individuals experience a compulsive desire to constantly engage in gambling activities. They constantly do so even when they’re aware of negative consequences. In the case of problem gambling individuals, the activity is not always a source of entertainment.

In fact, it is rarely the source of entertainment for those struggling with compulsive gambling disorders – unlike occasional gamblers. For those struggling, stopping to do so is extremely difficult (if not impossible) even when they can see its negative effects on their financial situation, relationships, and more importantly, their mental health.

According to gambling research, the gambling environment changed rapidly in the last 15 years due to internet. The traditional casino gambling and legalized sports betting took on a new form with the availability of mobile apps.

For most individuals, the addiction is a result of three main factors, which are:

• Psychological
• Behavioral
• Biological

A scientific study claims that gambling can trigger the same parts of the brain that are involved in substance addiction. So, in the same way as drug abuse or alcohol dependence works, it is difficult to stop gambling. And, it can take many forms:

• Casinos gambling
• Online sports betting
• Slot machines

Why Is Online Gambling Addictive?

Why is it addictive? The act of gambling taps into the natural “reward” system of your brain. It produces a feeling of excitement – or perhaps, a rush of excitement and euphoric feeling. Why? Because you might have already won big and/or feel excited with the hope to win big. And since winning big can happen despite being rare, that’s what makes gambling even more interesting.

In reality, it’s the simple “unpredictability” that keeps players and struggling individuals hooked to different types of games. When you gamble, your brain releases what’s called dopamine, which is the “feel-good” chemical.

You win, the brain releases dopamine. As a result, you get pleasure and that is why you want to continue playing. This cycle of reward and hope is what makes gambling so addictive – and also harmful thought patterns that can even lead to mental disorders or legal consequences.

How Has It Become Addictive?

One of the main reasons, as some gambling studies also point out, is the availability of so many gambling avenues. Everything from online gambling sites to mobile applications has led to the constant availability of “opportunities” to losing money.

You turn on your smartphone and hit a Google search, and you’re already on a gambling site ready to sign up for your first game! On the other hand, gambling advertisements on the internet are frequently bombarding users.

So, it’s constant availability combined with mainstream advertisements which has made gambling more accessible to a wider population. And since the act itself very easily taps into our psychology, it’s no wonder an individual might start gambling and end up with a disordered gambling behavior.

On top of that, we think that the chance to be anonymous while gambling online is yet another reason why it’s so common. When compared to online casinos, land-based ones don’t offer you the same level of privacy and anonymity. Hence, doing it online makes it way more easier to turn into a compulsive gambling habit.

What Are the Signs of Gambling Behavior?

At Icarus Behavioral Health Nevada, we understand how fighting online gambling addiction is a silent battle. It is something many struggling individuals keep to themselves as they continue to look for a way out of such compulsive behaviors.

However, we believe in the power of emotional support and physical well-being as a way to guarantee improvement. To us, helping clients through personalized therapies with the help of friends and family has brought remarkable results. And, it all began with the simple yet effective method of recognizing the signs of such an addiction early on.

Spending More Money and Time on Gambling

It often starts with simple and casual online sports gambling. The person might be playing casino games with friends or just trying it out due to boredom. But it soon becomes time-consuming and it’s doesn’t take long after that before a huge portion of your savings is at risk.

Chasing Losses

Another common sign of someone with an online gambling addiction is frequent attempts to chase and recover their losses. In fact, struggling individuals accumulate huge debts in hopes that they will win big which will be rewarding and cover their previous losses.

Hiding Gambling Problem

If your or someone you know is hiding their online gambling addiction, it is a sign that they need help. Many times, compulsive gamblers hide the amount of time and money they are spending on gambling, particularly from their families and loved ones.

Avoiding or Neglecting Responsibilities

In most cases, problem gamblers also start to neglect their work and family responsibilities. They might cut off from work early, or show up late. The same could be happening with study, family time, and even social gatherings. They feel “obligated” to take part in online gambling activities.

Feeling Restless or Irritable When Not Gambling

A common withdrawal symptom of gambling is feeling restless or irritated. Like drug abuse disorders, a struggling individual will show signs of anxiety and mood disorders. It’s also important to know that gambling addiction co-occurs with a range of mental health issues, like:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Personality disorders

Financial Issues Piling at High Rates

Many problem gamblers pile up debts faster than they can resolve them. It mostly happens when they are constantly borrowing money from others. Meanwhile, some even resort to illegal activities to fund their compulsive gambling behaviors.

How To Stop Gambling Addiction Online?

So, how do you stop online gambling addiction? The answer is in self-awareness and support. We believe that recovery does not begin until the struggling person realizes – whether themselves or by the help of others – that they are in need of help.

They have to identify the signs and symptoms of such a disorder and recognize that recovery from gambling addiction is indeed possible. While some of the following are effective ways to help you stop online gambling, you must realize that breaking free from it will be a test of dedication and willpower.

Acknowledge the Problem

Nothing happens until the person facing the challenge accepts that it is indeed a “challenge”. They have to acknowledge the addiction and accept the ned for help. Why? Because denial can delay recovery and make it even more difficult to achieve.

Find the Right Professional Support

Whether you’re at risk of pathological gambling or noting signs early on in someone you care about, finding the right support is very important. It means consulting the right therapist, finding the best rehab for gambling problems, and so on. You can begin by researching therapies, like:

• Motivational interviewing
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Exposure therapy

Become Part of a Support Group

Many underestimate the role of supports groups but places like Gamblers Anonymous (GA) are there to help. It is in these places that struggling individuals – like you or your loved one – can develop a sense of community with people sharing the same challenges. These places offer a safe environment where you can share experiences, talk about different issues, and more importantly, gain motivation on your path to recovery.

Set Boundaries

Try limiting access to gambling websites or blocking the gambling software. In fact, create a self-exclusion program for yourself to prevent impulsive behavior. Moreover, it will also give you some room to breathe during the recovery process.

Develop Healthy Habits

One of the most effective ways is to build healthy habits in place to compulsive behaviors. Think about the most common time slots you spend partaking in gambling. It could be a weekend after or evening, perhaps. So instead, you can replace gambling with let’s say, reading a book or preparing a healthy meal. This will not only divert your attention, but also help you reduce the urge to gamble.

What Are the Negative Effects of Gambling Addiction?

While we discuss the signs of an online gambling problem and different ways you can stop it, it is also helpful to know the negative effects of such a disorder. For some people, thinking out loud can help reinforce a new sense of motivation and confidence to pursue a healthier, gambling-free lifestyle.

• Financial Problems

Often the first negative effect is immediate in the form of loss of money. People end up in severe debt which either leads to an empty or worse, negative bank account.

• Relationship Struggles

The other most critical gambling harm is that it can negatively impact your relationship with others. Be it your friends, family, or your significant other. A problem gambler will often lie to hide the money and time they’re spending through behavioral addictions because of fear of embarrassment.

• Mental Health Issues

Did you know that problem gambling is one of the most common risk factors for developing mental health disorders? Research indicates that online gambling is associated with major depressive syndromes and stress issues.

• Legal Consequences

The American Psychiatric Association tells us that young adults are at higher risk of developing problem gambling. More alarmingly, a problem gambler is at risk of getting into illegal activities like fraud or stealing to fund their gambling habits.

What Disorder Do Most Gamblers Have?

The experts tell us that pathological gambling or “compulsive gambling” is a condition which is recognized as a mental disorder. The main characteristic of this disorder is “continued gambling despite negative physical, psychological, and social consequences.”

Are There Treatment Options for Gambling and Sports Betting Addiction?

Yes, there are several treatment options for individuals struggling with online gambling addiction. In most cases, therapies and behavioral training are the most effective approaches. However, since individual needs and conditions vary, the treatment approaches vary too. Some of those include:

Therapy and Counseling for Gambling Disorder

It is perhaps the most effective ways how you can tackle online gambling disorders. In fact, there’s more than one type of therapies, all of which use a mix of different techniques and skills.

● Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

For some people, CBT is effective because it helps them recognize and change harmful thinking patterns – and behaviors, like an impulse control disorder which leads to continued gambling. For instance, it teaches you how to challenge irrational beliefs like, “I’m due for a win” with something like, “I can stop this any time and get rid of my financial losses easily.”

● Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Then, there’s MI which is sometimes works in combination to CBT. This is where a therapist, like experienced professionals at Icarus, will help them focus their energy to resolve ambivalence – particularly, regarding gambling. They will encourage them and help them experience higher motivation by exploring reasons behind the cause and effects of gambling behaviors.

Support Groups to Treat Gambling Problem

While a lot of people underestimate the role of support groups like Gamblers Anonymous (GA), it remains a crucial part of sustained recoveries. We say that thanks to years of experience and a high rate of successful clients who have went on to become contributors in such groups.

● Gamblers Anonymous (GA)

A GA has the same 12-step approach like that of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). People gather in safe spaces like churches or libraries to share their experiences. They do so, to help others develop effective coping strategies and find the emotional support they need to achieve a healthier and more fulfilling life that is free of problem gambling.

● Online Support Groups

In case attending physical meetings is a challenge for your or your loved one, you can visit online support groups. For instance, you have opportunities like GA online at your hand where you can partake in virtual recovery meetings through chat rooms and video conferences.

Self-Exclusive Programs

In some cases, the experts at Icarus have also helped clients stop gambling through self-exclusion programs. These programs teach individuals how to block gambling platforms on different devices. Moreover, these programs specifically help them break from gambling and develop healthier habits to boost their recovery and significantly reduce the risk of relapse.

Stepping Forward, Toward a Healthier and Happier Life with Icarus Nevada

Fighting a battle with a potentially pathological gambling disorder is not an easy feat. To stop gambling, you have to understand the underlying issues and the long-term online gambling affect on your life.

But whether you’re one of the struggling compulsive gamblers or believe that might develop gambling problems, Icarus can help. We have professionals who are trained and educated to help pathological gamblers and individuals with substance abuse issues.

Here at Icarus Behavioral Health in Las Vegas, Nevada, you will receive personalized treatment to manage your addictive disorders. With supervision from professionals who have decades of experience and expertise with using evidence-based treatment approaches, lasting recovery is only a phone call away.

So, give us a call today. Schedule a confidential consultation and get answers to your questions right away.