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Get Help for Gambling Addiction
Gambling disorder is treatable. Reach out today for free, confidential support.
Gambling disorder is formally recognized in the DSM-5-TR and is the most well-established behavioral addiction diagnosis. Consult a licensed mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment.
What Is Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction — clinically known as gambling disorder — is a behavioral addiction characterized by persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior that leads to significant distress or impairment. It is the only behavioral addiction formally classified as a substance-related and addictive disorder in the DSM-5-TR, reflecting the strong neurological parallels between gambling disorder and substance addictions.
Gambling disorder activates the brain's reward system in ways remarkably similar to drugs and alcohol. The anticipation of a win, the near-miss experience, and the intermittent reinforcement pattern of gambling create powerful neurochemical responses involving dopamine.
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How Common Is Gambling Addiction?
Research suggests that approximately 1% to 3% of the U.S. adult population meets criteria for gambling disorder, with additional individuals experiencing subclinical gambling problems. The rate is higher among young men, military veterans, individuals with other addictions, and people in areas with high concentrations of gambling establishments.
Signs and Symptoms
Behavioral Signs
- Preoccupation with gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve excitement
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop
- Restlessness or irritability when trying to reduce gambling
- Gambling as an escape from problems or negative emotions
- "Chasing losses" (returning to win back money lost)
- Lying to conceal the extent of gambling
- Jeopardizing relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities
- Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations
Financial Signs
Unexplained debt, maxed credit cards, borrowing money, selling possessions, missing payments on bills, depleted savings, taking out loans, or engaging in illegal activity to fund gambling.
Important: Gambling disorder carries one of the highest rates of suicidal ideation among all addictions. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
Treatment Options
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The most well-studied and effective therapeutic approach for gambling disorder.
- Motivational Interviewing: Helps individuals explore ambivalence and build internal motivation for change.
- Group Therapy: Provides peer support, accountability, and shared experience.
- Medication: Naltrexone and nalmefene may reduce gambling urges; SSRIs may help with co-occurring depression or anxiety.
- Support Groups: Gamblers Anonymous (GA), SMART Recovery, Gam-Anon for families.
- Financial Counseling: Addressing the financial devastation caused by gambling addiction.
- Self-Exclusion Programs: Voluntary bans from casinos and online gambling platforms.
The Online and Mobile Gambling Factor
The explosion of mobile sports betting apps and online casino platforms has created new challenges. Features like in-app deposits, push notification promotions, live in-play betting, and gamification elements are designed to maximize engagement. For people susceptible to gambling disorder, these features can accelerate the progression of addiction.
Is gambling addiction a real addiction?
Can I be addicted to sports betting?
Does insurance cover gambling addiction treatment?
What's the difference between problem gambling and gambling addiction?
Related Resources
Sources
- APA DSM-5-TR
- NIDA
- National Council on Problem Gambling
- SAMHSA
FindAddictionTreatments.com provides informational content and referral services. We are not a treatment facility. Individual treatment outcomes vary. No specific results are guaranteed.
National Resources: SAMHSA National Helpline | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 | SAMHSA Treatment Locator: findtreatment.gov