Techniques for the treatment of gambling addiction.
Pathological gambling is an impulse control disorder whose essential characteristic is persistent and maladaptive behavior. This disrupts the continuity of personal, family, and/or professional life.
According to the WHO (World Health Organization), gambling addiction or pathological gambling is defined as a disorder characterized by the presence of repeated episodes of participation in gambling. These dominate the life of the sick person to the detriment of their social, occupational, family, and material obligations. This behavior often increases despite its adverse social consequences. For example: the deterioration of family relationships, the loss of personal fortune, or critical personal situations.
Therapeutic treatment aims to achieve total abstinence from gambling and prevent possible relapses. Through psychological treatment, the person will gradually learn to control their impulse to gamble.
Techniques for the treatment of gambling addiction
- Relaxation and automatic desensitization: aimed at controlling the anxiety generated by gambling withdrawal
- Group therapy: it is very effective, as it promotes communication, helps in sharing difficulties, and makes it easier to find problem-solving strategies
- Cognitive therapy techniques: recording distorted or repetitive automatic thoughts and raising awareness of the problem are very favorable techniques for recovery
Likewise, it is necessary to promote the use of free time in other reinforcing activities. These should be alternatives to gambling that lead to a global change in lifestyle. This is to obtain a balance between obligations and desires, as well as the establishment of social relationships with non-gambling friends.
How to stop gambling addiction?
The treatment of gambling addiction must be carried out by consulting professionals to receive an appropriate diagnosis, and in no case should it be ignored. Like other addictions, gambling addiction tends to worsen if no treatment is undertaken. The CC Adicciones model maintains a high recovery rate well above the average of other treatments, with 86% of patients recovered. You can request information without obligation at 902 400 426.
