How to Overcome Online Gambling Addiction
Online Gambling involves betting or playing games of chance for money or other prizes, through a computer, mobile phone or tablet connected to the Internet. It can be particularly addictive because it allows individuals to gamble at any time of day or night and can be hidden from friends and family. While some people may engage in gambling for fun, others become addicted and start to experience serious consequences.
Online gambling has many risks, including financial detriment, as well as social and emotional consequences. Behavioral changes that are indicative of online gambling addiction include neglecting responsibilities, restlessness and irritability, and chasing losses, even after significant financial setbacks. In addition, online gambling can lead to an increase in stress levels, which can also be a contributing factor to mental health issues.
The psychological causes of online gambling are more complex and often relate to daily life stressors or underlying mental health problems. According to a study published in Current Addiction Reports, online gamblers are more likely to have coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety. As a result, they turn to online gambling as a way to escape negative emotions or events.
Psychotherapy and counseling are essential parts of the treatment process for online gambling addiction. Individual or group therapy helps patients identify underlying mental health problems that contributed to their addiction. Using tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy, counselors help their patients develop the skills they need to overcome their addiction and achieve recovery.
In addition to psychotherapy and counseling, there are a number of treatments that can be used to treat online gambling addiction. For example, an inpatient rehabilitation program is best suited for persons with moderate to severe addiction, as it provides structure and support for the duration of the recovery process. Inpatient rehab programs range in length from 30 days to a year.
Another treatment option for online gambling addiction is outpatient rehabilitation, which offers support and guidance from a counselor while the person is living at home. Outpatient treatment is a good choice for persons with mild to moderate addiction, and it can be combined with inpatient rehabilitation.
In addition to treatment options, it is important to monitor online gambling accounts and prevent unauthorized transactions by ensuring that passwords are strong and two-factor authentication is enabled. It is also a good idea to keep a record of all monetary transactions, as this can help you track any unusual activity. In the event of any unauthorized transactions, it is essential to contact the gambling website’s customer support team immediately. The company should be able to verify whether the transaction was legitimate or not. If it was not, the individual should be able to reverse the transaction. If the unauthorized transaction was not reversed, the individual may be required to pay the gambling site back. In some cases, the person may also be required to pay a penalty fee or forfeit any winnings.