GAMBLING ADDICTION
What is Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction is a behavioural addiction characterised by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences. It is not merely about financial losses but also the emotional, social, and psychological toll it takes on an individual’s life. Gambling addiction is classified as a mental health disorder, where the brain’s reward system becomes overstimulated, like substance addiction, leading to compulsive behaviours.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the past-year prevalence of problem gambling among adult’s ranges from 0.1% to 5.8% globally, highlighting its significant impact worldwide. Key signs of gambling addiction include an inability to stop gambling, chasing losses, neglecting responsibilities, lying about gambling habits, and experiencing distress when trying to cut back. The condition often leads to strained relationships, financial difficulties, and mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression.
Gambling addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age or background, and often stems from a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Effective treatment involves understanding the root causes of the behaviour, managing triggers, and developing strategies to prevent relapse.
Signs To Pay Attention To
Inability to control gambling: Persistent and repeated attempts to stop gambling fail, even when you are aware of its negative consequences. They may spend more time or money than intended and feel distressed when trying to cut back.
Chasing losses: A pattern of continuing to gamble to recover previous financial losses, often leading to even greater losses and financial strain.
Impact on relationships & responsibilities: Gambling interferes with personal relationships, work, or daily responsibilities. The individual may neglect family, friends, or obligations due to preoccupation with gambling.
Secrecy & deceptive behaviour: Lying about gambling activities, hiding financial losses, or borrowing money to fund gambling are common signs. This behaviour often creates trust issues in relationships.
Emotional & psychological distress: Feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, or depression often accompany gambling addiction. The person may feel trapped in a cycle of gambling to escape negative emotions, which only worsens their mental health over time.
Ultra Personalised Treatment
The best treatment for drug dependency involves a combination of approaches tailored to the individual, as addiction varies in severity, type, and personal circumstances.
The Istana Approach is a dynamic model for ultra-personalised treatment, providing a bespoke balance of clinical precision and human touch. Whatever is required for successful recovery and renewal is integrated into your evolving bespoke treatment plan.
At Istana will have access to the very best clinical support, including medical intervention, medications and detoxification if required, as well as psychotherapy. In addition, you will receive unparalleled lifestyle support encompassing movement, exercise, exquisite natural surroundings, nutrition, holistic therapies, and a compassionate team that is attuned to your needs, hopes, and dreams. We are here to challenge, hold, and support you as you transform back into the person you know yourself to be.
We are never prescriptive or bound by dated thinking or traditional approaches. Instead, we are highly progressive, responsive and adaptive to your evolving needs. This approach allows us to meet you as the unique individual that you are, enabling profound and effective change. Your gambling addiction will no longer be the driving force in your life You will look at yourself compassionately free from self-blame and regard this phase of your life with clinical clarity with the tools to thrive and have confidence in your future.
