Gambling Cures

Individuals with gambling addictions may find it difficult to seek help on their own. It may be necessary for loved ones to step in and assist the addict in reaching his goal of curing the addiction and leading a fulfilling life without gambling. As with many addictions, the gambler may have several symptoms that need to be addressed in the healing process.

Therapy

• To figure out the underlying cause of the gambling addiction, a doctor may suggest therapy for the addict. The addict might discover that he has issues dealing with money or compulsive behaviors. Some individuals might gamble in order to feel as though they are part of a group and, in this instance, a therapist might suggest that the addict join a sports team or church group instead. A person who gambles to relive stress may be encouraged by his doctor to choose activities that involve physical activity as daily exercise has been shown to reduce stress symptoms. For individuals who have turned to gambling as a way to ease money problems, the therapist may recommend a meeting with a debt or credit counselor to create a financial plan.

Life Style Change

• If you are an individual that consistently associates with others who gamble, it might be time to seek out a new or different group of friends. Not everyone has addiction problems with gambling, but if you do you may not be strong enough during rehabilitation to be around old gambling buddies without having the urge to gamble yourself. By surrounding yourself with others who don't gamble, you decrease the chance that someone will ask you to join in a game or for a trip to the casino. It might also be a wise decision to have someone else take over your finances until you are back on your feet. Getting rid of credit cards and having someone else guard your money will increase your chances of rehabilitation success.

Gamblers Anonymous

• Joining a support group such as Gamblers Anonymous can help an individual with a gambling addiction realize that he is not the only one struggling to recover. Gamblers Anonymous uses a 12 step program and group meetings to encourage and support those looking to end their gambling days. There are no fees to join, unlike some therapy groups, and the only requirement is the "Desire to stop gambling," according the Gamblers Anonymous website. During group sharing time, individuals will be permitted to share stories with one another about their recovery; what has and hasn't worked for them. Members are given a safe, non-judgmental place to talk about their illness where there is a built-in support system working towards a cure to their gambling addictions.