Gambling is an intrinsic part of our society. It transcends gender, class and age, and is normalised everywhere we turn. Many people gamble for fun and gambling can often be part of social gatherings. This type of recreational gambling is very different to problem gambling. People who enjoy recreational gambling know that they are likely to lose and view winning as good luck.
They understand that gambling is just a game and take part for a limited amount of time.

But when gambling becomes a problem, addiction takes over. It’s important to recognise problem gambling as the genuine addiction that it is. A person living with gambling addiction has lost control over their gambling. As addiction becomes worse, it takes control of a person’s entire life. Work, family, friends and interests – all of these things may be put to one side to focus solely on gambling.

Gambling addiction symptoms

Gambling addiction is a behavioural addiction and is sometimes known as problem gambling, compulsive gambling or gambling disorder. The anticipation and thrill of gambling creates a natural high that can become addictive. Hundreds of thousands of people living in London and the UK are affected by this addiction that can trigger all types of financial, social, personal and health problems.

It’s a growing problem that’s become even more prevalent with the advent of online gambling. Internet gambling can nurture addiction further still as it’s easier to gamble from home and hide the problem. With so many opportunities to gamble and few physical symptoms to look out for, gambling addiction can often go unchecked. If you can relate to any of the following then it’s important to get help sooner rather than later:

• Are you always thinking about gambling and planning your next chance to gamble?
• Are you spending more and more money to get the same ‘high’?
• Have you tried and failed to cut down on your gambling or stop altogether?
• Is gambling a way to escape from problems or guilty feelings?
• Do you try to recoup your losses?
• Do you conceal your gambling from friends and family? Have you lied to hide your problem?
• Have you stolen money or committed fraud to finance your gambling?
• Do you feel that you’ve lost professional opportunities or risked or lost relationships and family because of gambling?
• Have you asked others for money due to a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?
• Have friends or family expressed concern that you may have a gambling addiction?

Time to get help and support

Taking the first step to getting help for gambling addiction is very difficult. But overcoming addiction alone is even tougher – so asking for support is absolutely critical. There are rehab centres that treat gambling addiction across London and the UK. Going into rehab may seem like a huge step, but it’s usually an incredibly positive way of moving forward.

Treating gambling addiction at Step One Recovery

At Step One Recovery, we’re here to help you overcome your gambling addiction. We believe in treating all of our clients in a non-judgemental, respectful way to enable them to build new ways to cope without gambling.

Our luxurious recovery centre is based on Spain’s Costa Blanca in a private estate. Discreet and exclusive, it’s a beautiful sanctuary to begin accepting your gambling addiction and start your recovery journey.

We don’t believe in quick fixes, so your expert team will devise a treatment programme that’s designed specifically for you. We will take the time to help you understand and address any underlying issues and problems that trigger your gambling. This is usually through one-to-one therapy held on a daily basis.

It’s quite common for people living with gambling addiction to have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression. We have a wealth of expertise in treating these conditions effectively. It’s all about taking a holistic approach so you can leave our recovery centre refreshed and ready to live without gambling.