Could someone you love have a gambling problem? For men and women who gamble, there’s a very fine line between having fun and developing a behavioral addiction. If you notice your loved one gambling a great deal or you’re unsure if their habits are problematic, reach out for professional help. A gambling addiction left uncontrolled and treated can lead to complex financial and mental health problems. At Southworth Associates International, our team can help your loved one find treatment. Call 844.521.0523 today to learn about our intervention services.
Know the Signs of a Gambling Problem
Gambling addiction tends to happen over time. Like other types of behavioral addiction, many people start out believing they are just having fun. Yet, a gambling problem can develop when a person is gambling for the wrong reasons or is engaging in behaviors too often with risk. Some of the most common signs of gambling addiction include the following:
- Preoccupation with gambling, often so much so that other responsibilities and tasks are not completed because gambling is the focus
- Planning to get more gambling money, often a preoccupation with trying to determine how they can gamble again
- Gambling with increasing amounts of risk or cost to get the same type of desired thrill
- Feeling anxious or unable to focus when someone is not engaging in gambling
- Trying to stop gambling but failing to do so
If this sounds like what your loved one may be experiencing, it is time to consider what to do about their gambling problem. Over time, this can worsen and create challenges for you in other ways.
Another way to look at the signs of gambling addiction include looking at habits over time. Are they increasingly putting your family’s finances on the line? Do they find themselves needing to gamble more often? What happens when they do not engage in gambling now? Many people don’t recognize what’s happening at that moment, but looking back over the course of several weeks and months can make this type of behavioral addiction more evident.
How to Get Help for Gambling Addiction
A gambling problem is not something that will just go away, but it can be treated effectively. When you realize what’s happening, turn to a professional who can help you convince your loved one to get help with this condition. It is a type of mental health disorder, and with therapy, your loved one may be able to gain control over their actions.
If they fail to get treatment for a gambling problem, it can spiral out of control. Often, a person with this type of behavioral addiction is unable to stop or control their urges. That usually translates into more risky gambling with a higher risk potential of loss. Yet, treatment can turn things around and help them to get the support they need to make better decisions.
Get Help for a Behavioral Addiction
Finding the right type of treatment for your loved one’s gambling problem is essential, but that’s not always easy to do. That’s why Southworth Associates International offers support and guidance for you. We can help your loved one secure the treatment they need and help you convince your loved one to get help through an intervention. Some of our services include:
- Addiction service programs
- Mental health intervention services
- Family intervention services
- Professional recovery programs
- Bilingual intervention services
Find the Help You Need at Southworth Associates International
Does your loved one have a gambling problem? Perhaps you recognize the signs of gambling addiction, but you don’t know what to do. This type of behavioral addiction is not something you have to ignore. Instead, with proper treatment, your loved one can get back to a better quality of life. At Southworth Associates International, we can help you and your loved ones find the right type of treatment. Call 844.521.0523 or reach out online to us to learn how we can help your loved one heal.
