Gambling Addiction Interventions

Not a Random Roll of the Dice

Many times family members of gamblers begin to eventually understand
that the broken promises to change aren’t enough and a professional gambling intervention
might be necessary. When gambling turns into a compulsion it can
destroy lives. Much like an alcoholic or drug addict, a person suffering
from a process addiction
to gambling seeks the “rush” they experience from gambling. They are
always looking for their next big score, certain that it is right around
the corner.

Getting Professional Help

A proven method used by caring family members to help a family member
or friend suffering from this addiction is to seek help from a
professional interventionist. A gambling intervention is a
tried-and-true method for expressing deep concern for a loved one in a
loving and supportive way. The goal of an intervention is to get the
addict into treatment. The sooner a gambling addict is rescued from the
downward spiral of addiction, the earlier they can start down a positive
path to heal relationships and restore financial well-being.

A Gambling Intervention is Often the Only Thing Left

It is important to understand that a gambling intervention is
performed differently than with a traditional substance abuse
intervention. While gambling does not necessarily put a person
physically at risk like drugs and alcohol dependency, it does put them
at higher risk for suicide. There are definite signs that a person’s
gambling is out of control. When family members see several, or even one
of these symptoms of the addiction, they should consider the
possibility of seeking outside help.

A rule of thumb to discern addictive behaviors is whether the
behavior is interfering with the addict’s life. For instance if gambling
is interfering with relationships, job security or financial stability,
then the problem is likely an addiction issue. The symptoms below are
common warnings.

Warning Signs of a Gambling Addiction

• Increasing debt
• Preoccupation with gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble
• Spending money needed for living expenses on gambling
• Inability to cutback on gambling
• Inability to quit gambling
• Deceit about gambling activities

Gambling Intervention, Treatment and Recovery

Once a professional gambling interventionist is called in, then the
family has taken the first important step to helping the addict recover.
The interventionist will set a date and time when family members and
friends can meet with the addict. A meeting is also set prior to the
actual gambling intervention to discuss possible scenarios that can
arise during the intervention.

The Role of Family and Friends

Family members and friends rehearse what they will say ahead of time.
This meeting is an important preparation step to ensure that all people
involved keep their emotions in check and remain cool in what can be a
passionate exchange. A professional gambling interventionist is an
expert at predicting possible scenarios. He can manage the gambling
intervention producing the best possibility for success.

After the gambling intervention the addict will go to treatment for
the period of time that is agreed upon.  The next step is on-going
recovery. Whether it be a twelve-step program, religion or other
on-going support group, recovery is a life long process.  It should
envelop the addict for the first year of sobriety while they grow
emotionally and learn to cope without the gambling process.

Process Addictions Explained

Gambling is a process addiction.  Process addictions alter the brain
chemistry in the same way alcohol and drugs do.  During the height of
the addiction, the addict’s emotional maturity will stop and even
regress. It is these base emotions that make the addict want to go back
to their old ways, as, for them, the addiction is a safe place.

Also See: Internet Addiction intervention!

We Can Help

Intervention Services has been providing interventions for over 10
years for a variety of addictions, including gambling interventions.
Contact us to speak to us about your loved one and begin turning chaos
into order. An intervention isn’t the end of the relationship between
you and your loved one. Intervention Services USA is here for on-going
support and counsel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us today for
more information on how we can help.