When you’re living with someone who has a gambling addiction or you have a loved one who has a gambling problem, it’s hard to know how to help or what to believe or what’s going to make a difference. The person with the gambling addiction problem may make excuses or even lie to and manipulate you.
It’s important for you to be armed with knowledge and facts about gambling addiction so you can be better informed and empowered while also being supportive of the person with the gambling problem. Above all, know that there is hope for people with gambling addiction. Gambling addiction treatment is available—and it works!
Here are five myths and facts about gambling addiction:
Myth 1: You have to gamble every day to be considered a problem gambler.
Fact: Gambling is a problem if it causes problems. A problem gambler may gamble infrequently or frequently.
Myth 2: It’s not really a problem if the gambler can afford it.
Fact: Financial problems aren’t the only ones caused by excessive gambling. Spending too much time on gambling can lead to:
- Legal and relationship problems
- Job loss
- Mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, suicide)
Myth 3: Having a gambling problem is simply a case of being weak, irresponsible, or unintelligent.
Fact: People with all levels of intelligence and backgrounds can be affected by gambling compulsion. People who were previously considered responsible and strong-willed are just as likely to develop a gambling addiction as anyone else.
Myth 4: People are often driven to gamble by their partners or loved ones.
Fact: Problem gamblers frequently try to explain away their behavior. Blaming others is a way to avoid taking responsibility for their own action, including avoiding doing what is needed to overcome their gambling addiction problem.
Myth 5: If a problem gambler accumulates a debt, you should help them pay it.
Fact: Quick-fix solutions might seem to be the right thing to do. But bailing a compulsive gambler out of debt could actually make things worse by enabling their addiction.
Getting gambling addiction treatment in New Jersey
This is your time to come out of hiding from that gambling problem you’ve been trying to cover up. You can do yourself, your family, and your friends a favor by making that one step into recovery. You are not the only person to suffer from a gambling addiction.
At Lifetime Recovery, we can guarantee you that.
And we are one of the few facilities that has a dedicated treatment program for gambling addiction along with our accredited substance use disorder programs. We care about every client because many of us have been in your place.
This can be turned around and you can start today.
