Introduction to Gambling Addiction
Gambling is an activity where you risk something valuable to win something in return.
E.g. betting money to win more money.
There are many forms of gambling such as casinos, sports betting, online gambling in the forms of games, betting, etc.
Not everyone who gambles develops a Gambling Disorder, however, gambling can change your brain chemistry and manifest as a disorder. Gambling Disorder can be a debilitating problem that not only affects the person suffering from it but also affects their families. It can cause major problems in your relationships, work/school, or finances.
Recognising the Symptoms of Gambling Addiction
Behavioural Signs
- Spending excessive time gambling, often at the expense of work, family, or social activities
- Repeated attempts to stop or reduce gambling but failing to do so
- Lying about gambling activities to family, friends, or colleagues
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or engaging in illegal activities to fund gambling
- Frequently chasing losses by continuing to gamble in hopes of recovering lost money
- Neglecting responsibilities, such as work or household duties, due to gambling
Emotional and Psychological Indicators
- Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to stop or reduce gambling
- Experiencing guilt, shame, or regret after gambling sessions
- Preoccupation with thoughts of gambling, such as planning the next opportunity or reflecting on past bets
- Feeling euphoria or a “high” during gambling, which leads to repeated attempts to replicate the experience
- Developing Depression, Anxiety, or low self-esteem due to gambling-related issues
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, loneliness, or emotional pain.
Causes of Gambling Addiction
There’s no singular cause for Gambling Disorder or any other addiction. It is a very complex condition that may have multiple factors contributing to its development.
Genetic and Biological Factors
Gambling activates the reward centre in the brain and triggers dopamine release known as the “happiness hormone”. This hormone creates a feeling of pleasure and reinforces your behaviour.
Psychological and Environmental Influences
People with certain psychological traits such as impulsivity tend to be more at risk of developing Gambling Disorder. Irrational beliefs such as “I can beat the odds” or “I know the trick to winning” also contribute to the development of Gambling Disorder.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Gambling Addiction
Diagnosing gambling addiction involves evaluating patterns of behaviour and their impact on a person’s life. At BetterPlace, our mental health professionals use specific criteria from the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, version V) such as persistent gambling despite negative consequences, failed attempts to stop, and reliance on gambling for emotional relief to diagnose Gambling Disorders. Assessments may include interviews, screening tools, and input from loved ones for a comprehensive understanding.
Treatment Options
- Behavioural Therapies
Psychotherapy, especially Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a very effective tool for treating Gambling Disorder. It tackles the cognitive distortions that reinforce gambling behaviours and equips you with tools to manage triggers and prevent relapses. - Support Groups
Support groups are a type of psychotherapy where people suffering from the same conditions meet regularly to discuss their problems, challenges, insights and learnings. Group therapy becomes a valuable resource for you as it results in motivation, knowledge, mand oral support, and fosters a general sense of community. - Pharmacological Treatments
Like any other addiction, Gambling Disorder does not have a special medication for it, however, antidepressants and mood stabilisers help alleviate some key symptoms.
The Cost of Gambling Addiction Treatment at BetterPlace
At BetterPlace, each therapy session costs INR 2,000. The process begins with a comprehensive 90-minute intake session, where you meet a psychologist and a psychiatrist to develop a tailored treatment plan. Our unique approach includes personalised care, evidence-based therapies, and continuous support to help you regain control over your life. We not only treat your condition but also teach you tools that help you in long-term recovery.
Preventing Relapse and Maintaining Recovery
Identifying Triggers and High-Risk Situations
You need to identify your triggers first to stop gambling. Triggers are internal or external cues that urge you to gamble. E.g. stress, boredom, pleasure, entertainment, locations such as casinos, stadiums, or social situations like peer pressure.
Once you have identified these triggers, you can work with your psychotherapist to apply psychological techniques that foster positive coping mechanisms, emotional resilience, and healthier decision-making habits.
Building a Support Network
Engaging with support groups and involving family members is an excellent way to build accountability and stay committed to your goals. The encouragement and support from your loved ones can keep you motivated, guide you on the right path, and provide strength during moments of weakness.
Lifestyle Modifications
Preventing relapse in gambling addiction starts with adopting healthier habits. Focus on building a structured daily routine, avoiding environments that trigger gambling urges, and engaging in activities that promote well-being, like exercise or hobbies. Strengthening self-discipline and fostering supportive relationships are key to maintaining recovery and leading a balanced life.
Our Doctors for Comprehensive Gambling Disorder Treatment
Dr. Akul Gupta
MD Psychiatry
Therapy Mode Online, In-person
Languages Hindi, English
Ms. Lovleena Sharma
Clinical Psychologist
Therapy Mode Online, In-person
Languages Hindi, English
Ms. Ayushi Paul
Clinical Psychologist
Therapy Mode Online, In-person
Languages Hindi, English, Bengali
Ms. Sulagna Mondal
Clinical Psychologist
Therapy Mode Online, In-person
Languages Hindi, English, Bengali
Dr. Sunil Mittal
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
Therapy Mode Online, In-person
Languages Hindi, English
Ms. Mitali Srivastava
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Therapy Mode Online, In-person
Languages Hindi, English
Compassionate Mental Health Care for Gambling Disorder
At BetterPlace, our experts have helped over 50,000 people navigate Gambling Disorder and other mental health challenges.
- Depression
- ADHD
- Generalized Anxiety
- OCD
- Schizophrenia
- Anorexia
- Agoraphobia
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety
- Bulimia nervosa
- Bipolar Disorder
- Personality Disorders
- Binge Eating
Dr. Sunil Mittal
Dr. Mitali Srivastava
What makes our approach 'better'?
Personalised Treatment Plans
Your gambling addiction is unique, and so is your treatment. We tailor our therapy, medication (if needed), and behavioural strategies specifically to your triggers, habits, and emotional needs.
Specialist-Led Care
Our addiction specialists, psychologists, and psychiatrists have extensive experience in treating gambling addiction, ensuring you receive expert care backed by the latest research.
Real-Time Relapse Prevention Strategies
Our therapists teach you real-time strategies to resist urges, handle stress without gambling, and navigate high-risk situations without falling back into old patterns.
Integrated Mental Health Treatment
Many people with gambling addiction also struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. We treat the whole person, not just the addiction, ensuring long-term recovery.
Visiting BetterPlace? Here’s what to expect
When visiting BetterPlace, you can expect a welcoming environment where there is 0% judgment.
Detailed initial session (90 min)
Meet with both a psychologist and a psychiatrist
Comprehensive testing
Get an accurate understanding of your mental health
Treatment phase (3-8 Weeks)
Get a personalised treatment plan
Long-Term Support
Get ongoing care with regular follow-ups
Mental Health Partners to the prestigious National Heart Institute
Visit our Experts today!
BetterPlace
At National Heart InstituteFirst Floor, Annexe Building D Block, East of Kailash, New Delhi
Frequently Asked Questions
Early warning signs of gambling addiction often include an inability to control gambling habits, spending more money or time on gambling than intended, and feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back. You may notice lying about gambling, borrowing money to gamble, or prioritising gambling over responsibilities and relationships. Recognising these signs early is key to seeking help and regaining control.
Gambling Disorder is diagnosed using the specific criteria found in the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Version V), an industry standard for diagnosing mental health disorders, written by the American Psychological Association.
Be compassionate and non-judgemental when you’re supporting a loved one suffering from a gambling addiction. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to accompany them to appointments or support group meetings. Set boundaries to protect your finances and emotional well-being, and be empathetic towards their struggles. Most importantly, remain patient—it’s a challenging journey, but your support can make a significant difference.
You can prevent relapse by using a combination of strategies and resources. Therapy sessions can help you identify and manage triggers, while support groups provide accountability and encouragement. Practical tools like financial management plans, self-exclusion programmes at gambling venues, and mobile apps designed to block gambling websites can also help you stay on track. Building a strong support system and focusing on healthy, fulfilling activities is essential for long-term recovery.
