Our gambling addiction therapists in Chesterfield, VA will collaborate with you to identify and alter thought patterns and behaviors that drive your gambling compulsions, often employing cognitive behavioral techniques. The primary objective of this counseling is to assist you in regaining control, establishing healthier habits, and addressing any underlying emotional or psychological issues.
The length of gambling addiction counseling can differ depending on the person’s particular requirements and the seriousness of their addiction. Typically, this form of counseling includes multiple sessions spanning from several weeks to several months. The precise number of sessions and overall therapy duration are determined through discussions with the counselor.
Counseling for a Gambling Addiction in Chesterfield, VA—Therapists
For some, gambling develops into more. Instead of moving on, gambling takes over their lives. They have become addicted to gambling. Just like other addiction, gambling can change an individual’s brain so that they become dependent. However, also like other addictions, gambling addiction has treatments.
The therapists at Thriveworks Chesterfield who are struggling with their gambling and who are ready for help. We understand the harm that a gambling addiction can cause, but we also understand how to heal and regain control. If you think you may have a problem, reach out to Thriveworks Chesterfield today. We’re here to help.
Gambling Addiction Symptoms
Many people gamble, but they are not addicted. The DSM-5 gives criteria for diagnosing and recognizing the addiction. Individuals who have a gambling will exhibit a minimum of four of the following for at least one year:
- Having to spend more and more on gambling in order to feel the same good feelings.
- Experiencing emotions like restlessness and irritability when attempting to curb or stop.
- Thinking about gambling on a regular basis; remembering past bets; planning for future endeavors.
- Gambling as a way to cope with difficult feelings like guilt, anxiety, depression, and more.
- After losing money, attempting to win that money back by gambling more.
- Deceiving others about where, when, how, and how much one is gambling.
- Risking one’s opportunities, relationships, jobs, and more (not just money) in order to wager.
- Leaning upon other people, borrowing money in order to place one’s bets. Continuing to gamble despite financial hardships.
Belief Patterns and Gambling Addictions
These symptoms of addiction can cause significant harm, but they do not tell the whole story of how a gambling addiction may take over an individual’s life. The tip of the iceberg in a gambling addiction is the placing of bets, the coin slots, and more. However, below the surface, much more is happening. Addiction can lead people into belief systems that fuel and sustain the surface behaviors. Two common beliefs that addiction can teach people are…
- Superstitions: Addictions often have rituals, and a gambling addiction’s rituals often come in the form of superstitions. These behaviors are not connected logically or physiologically to a bet’s success or failure, but in an individual’s belief system, superstitions are often the foundation of gambling. They may choose a particular slot machine or swear a certain outfit or consume a particular food. These superstitions can fuel the addiction.
- Denial: All people who are addicted can minimize the nature of their struggle, and the same holds true for addicts. They may reframe what they are doing as entertainment (although many people certainly gamble responsibly as a form of entertainment). They often deceive themselves about the consequences of the addiction.
Schedule an Appointment with Thriveworks Chesterfield for Gambling Addiction Treatment
As you read through the different signs and symptoms of a gambling addiction, was there anything that stood out to you? If so, consider reaching out. Early treatment may be able to help people in their recovery. Thriveworks Chesterfield offers appointments for gambling addiction, and we are ready to meet with you.
When you call our office, your first appointment may be within the same week. We accept many different insurance plans, and weekend and evening appointments are also offered. Let’s get started.
