What Is a Gambling Disorder?

A gambling disorder, also known as compulsive gambling or gambling addiction, is a behavioral disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences. This disorder falls under the category of impulse-disorders and is recognized in the DSM-5 as a condition that can have severe effects on your mental, physical, and financial well-being. It’s estimated that between 54,000 and 114,000 Massachusetts adults were problem gamblers in 2021.

While gambling is legal and can be fun and entertaining, it can also be addictive due to the highs and lows associated with winning and losing. When a person develops an uncontrollable urge to continue gambling, even though it’s causing problems in their life, normal gambling turns into problem gambling. The addictive nature of this activity occurs because it stimulates the brain’s reward system by releasing dopamine, creating a similar rush as those who use drugs or alcohol.

Fortunately, help is available for gambling disorders. East Point Behavioral Health in Massachusetts takes a comprehensive approach to gambling disorders. We uncover the underlying factors that could be contributing to the behavior, teach individuals new coping strategies, and help people rebuild their lives.

What Is a Gambling Disorder?

Problem Gambling What Factors Contribute?

The three main factors that contribute to problem gambling are:

The “high” that happens when gambling.
Desperation to win money.
The appeal of a lively, thrilling gambling scene.

While some people are able to gamble occasionally and then stop, a gambling disorder is much more than this. Individuals with a gambling disorder cannot stop thinking about gambling, even if they want to. Instead, they may keep going back in hopes of winning back losses, creating a cycle of wins, losses, and more gambling.

Similar to substance use disorders, people with gambling disorders may feel the need to gamble with larger amounts of money to experience the same level of excitement. If they try to quit or cut back, they may experience symptoms like restlessness, irritability, or even depression. Gambling disorder is also often associated with other mental disorders like anxiety, depression, substance use, and personality disorders.

East Point Behavioral Health: Gambling and Sports Betting Mental Health Treatment in Massachusetts

If you or someone you care about has an issue with problem gambling or sports betting, professional help can go a long way in correcting these behaviors and rebuilding your life. East Point Behavioral Health serves patients statewide in Massachusetts, offering comprehensive therapies for gambling disorders, as well as any co-occurring disorders that may be contributing to the problem.

While there is no cure for gambling disorder, this condition is treatable. Our gambling disorder professionals will conduct a full assessment, diagnose the conditions you are experiencing, and put together a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and goals. There is no one route to recovering from problem gambling; instead, it’s about finding what works for you and your current situation.

Some of most effective treatment options for gambling disorder are:

Individual therapy
Group therapy
Family therapy
Medication management

How to Identify a Gambling Problem

It’s not always easy to know if you have a gambling problem or are developing one. In fact, less than 10% of people with a gambling disorder actually seek professional treatment services due to factors like shame, denial, fear of stigma, and believing they can handle the problem on their own. Here are some red flags that your gambling may be more than just a fun hobby:

Spending for Excitement

A telltale sign of a gambling disorder is feeling the need to spend money to achieve excitement. Do you continue gambling, despite landing a jackpot? Does it feel good to bet larger sums of money?

Trouble Stopping

If you have tried to stop or cut back on your gambling but were unable to, this is a clear indication that you have some level of problem gambling.

Obsessing Over Gambling

Are you always thinking about gambling? Do you feel restless or irritable if you’re not gambling? This suggests that you may be developing a gambling disorder that is consuming your thoughts.

Significant Financial Losses

Losing a lot of money to gambling should actually deter you from gambling. However, if you have a gambling problem, you’ll feel compelled to continue gambling despite your losses, which can add up significantly over time.

Hiding Gambling From Others

If you’re hiding your gambling from your loved ones or lying about your financial situation, chances are, you are embarrassed about the extent of your gambling. Eventually, this can harm your relationships with others, plus ruin your finances.

Mental Disorders

People often use gambling to escape uncomfortable feelings. If you are compulsively gambling and also struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental disorder, it’s likely that they are both driving each other.

Do You Qualify for Mental Health Treatment in Massachusetts?

East Point Behavioral Health provides specialized mental health care in Massachusetts for adults aged 18 and older. While we do not specialize in substance use disorders (SUD), we address co-occurring conditions and can connect you with trusted SUD treatment referrals if needed. Our mission is to remove barriers to mental health care by offering immediate intervention and prompt access to treatment. Contact us today to start your journey toward mental wellness!

The Benefits of IOS for Gambling Disorder

Without treatment, gambling disorders often get worse and cause more problems in a person’s life. Getting ahead of the problem gives you the best chance for a full recovery. Here are some benefits of participating in Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) at East Point Behavioral Health:

Effective, Proven Results

Our gambling disorder professionals know how to deliver effective results. We help individuals overcome underlying anxiety or depression while also teaching them effective coping skills. We tailor all approaches along the way, and we can prescribe medication, if necessary. If anything changes, we can update your treatment plan to reflect progress or new challenges.

Structured and Flexible Setting

Outpatient programs are convenient, as they allow you to live at home while receiving specialized care. This way, you can keep up on your responsibilities in your personal or professional life, plus gradually transition to the real world under the care and supervision of our team. Our program also supports a structured routine that prevents too much downtime and promotes regular activity.

Improve Your Support System

People have better outcomes when they have supportive friends and family by their side. East Point Behavioral Health will help you build up your support system. Family therapy strengthens relationships with family members, while group therapy connects you with others who are facing similar challenges. This prevents isolation and gives you an outlet to share your experiences in a non-judgmental environment.

How an IOS Works for Problem Gambling

The four core concepts with IOS include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and medication management. When you receive care at East Point Behavioral Health, you will receive all of these therapeutic interventions under one roof:

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy helps people develop strategies for coping with gambling urges, managing underlying issues, and building a foundation for long-term recovery. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches techniques like cognitive restructuring, helping you challenge and change irrational beliefs. Behavioral modification provides healthier alternatives to gambling.

Group Therapy

Group therapy allows individuals with gambling problems to connect with others who face similar struggles. It creates a sense of community, reduces isolation, and provides a safe environment for sharing experiences, learning coping skills, and building accountability. Plus, you can build up your support network by participating in group therapy sessions.

Family Therapy

Like other mental disorders, a gambling addiction doesn’t just affect the individual; it affects the family unit as well. This is why family therapy can be beneficial, as it improves communication, establishes healthy boundaries, and rebuilds relationships. Family therapy also provides a safe space for working through other underlying issues in the family, further reducing the need to seek out unhealthy behaviors like gambling.

Medication Management

Medication may be a helpful addition to your treatment plan, particularly if you are dealing with other mental health problems like anxiety or depression. Mood stabilizers and antidepressants are often used first, though other medications may be added depending on your symptoms and if you have been using substances. Each client is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if medication is necessary.

Start Your Treatment for Gambling Disorder in Massachusetts

A gambling disorder can wreak havoc on your life, but you don’t have to let it any longer. With the right support, you can move on from problem gambling and lead a healthier life. East Point Behavioral Health provides comprehensive care, with both in-person and virtual options, that doesn’t just treat symptoms but looks at each individual as a whole. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about our services and how we can help you rebuild your life after a gambling disorder.