Goals of Gambling Treatment

Gambling can be an addiction, and often it must be treated like any other addiction. Once the gambler acknowledges the extent of his problem and agrees to seek treatment, he and those professionals who help him must define their overall goals.

Cravings

• Gambling treatment must address the periodic psychological cravings compelling the addict to gamble.

Causes

• Therapy for the addict can reveal the underlying psychological causes of a gambling addiction and resolve them so that they no longer contribute to the problem.

Empowerment

• Part of overcoming an addiction is learning how to feel more empowered over it--to possess the strength to resist a relapse and take gambling out of the addict's life.

Alternatives

• It's easier to remove gambling from the equation if the addict has healthier and happier ways to spend his time. Treatment programs help the addict find rewarding activities and focus on them instead of the gambling tables.

Long-Term Goals

• Many gambling addicts focus only on immediate goals. Treatment programs work to refocus their thinking in the long-term, helping them plan their finances better and build a happier life.