Category / Rehab

How to Break Gambling Addiction
by Shalom A

How to Break Gambling Addiction

How to Quit Gambling Addiction

Compulsive gambling, also known as gambling addiction or gambling disorder, is the uncontrollable urge to gamble even when negative consequences have taken a toll in your life. It means that you’re willing to gamble whether you’re up or down, affluent or penniless, carefree or downhearted, and you’ll continue to gamble regardless of the repercussions—even when you know that the odds are in defiance of you. Still,  you can’t manage to lose.

Gambling can restore the brain’s reward system just like drugs or alcohol can do which leads to a certain kind of addiction. If you’re experiencing compulsive gambling, you may continuously run after bets that lead to losing, conceal your way of behaving, empty your savings, stockpile debts, or even resort to thieving or fraudulence just to support your addiction. In short, compulsive gambling is a serious condition that can ruin someone’s life. (1)

Did you know gambling costs UK more than £100 million a year? You can read more about it here!

Signs and Symptoms of Compulsive Gambling

Gambling

Signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling include the following: (2)

  • Being obsessed with gambling to the point that you relentlessly plan on how to get more money
  • Demands to gamble with growing amounts of money to remain thrilled
  • Failure to quit or cut back from it
  • Feeling uneasy or grumpy when you try not to gamble
  • Using it to break free from problems
  • Chasing losses
  • Deceiving family members or others to cover up the extent of your addiction
  • Compromising or losing valued relationships and career because of gambling
  • Turning to theft or fraud to gain some winnings
  • Begging others to bail you out of monetary trouble because you gambled money away

In contrast to casual gamblers who are disciplined to stop when losing or was able to set a loss limit, people with compulsive gambling issues are driven to continue playing just to recover their money — a pattern that becomes progressively disastrous over time. (3)

Read further on the dangerous effects of gambling addiction here.

Ways on How to Quit Gambling

Gambling addiction is abominable and terribly damaging. It is important to seek some help as soon as possible because it isn’t easy to quit. Here are few strategies that you can use to put your compulsive gambling to stop and take back your life. (4)

1. Take a Break

Schedule your day in a very structured way. When you wake up in the morning, make a decision that you will not gamble and plan your day ahead. Keep your schedule busy with important things so you will not have a lot of free time to think of gambling. Prohibit yourself from entering or getting near a casino, downloading online gaming applications, or paying visits to gaming websites.

2. Find Other Hobbies

Find some other activities to replace your gambling habits. Explore other interesting hobbies like exercising, hanging out with friends, or do some cooking. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself busy. You could pick up a new, exciting hobby, like biking, climbing or running.

3. Remember How Bad It Feels to Lose

Remember the feeling when you lose a lot of money because of gambling. Sanction yourself to feel that disheartenment when you are having thoughts about gambling again.

4. Educate Yourself About Gambling Addiction

Educate yourself mainly about your specific type of gambling addiction. Find out what type of gambler you are. Find out what triggers your gambling addiction so you will know how are you going to act against it.

5. Seek Help

Seek help. Contemplate about reading a gambling addiction forum. Even if you do not join, reading other people’s stories and struggles may help you realize that you are not alone. It is uplifting that you realize that you are not the only person with this problem. Many share your plight and are also looking for answers and support from other gamblers.

6. Find a Support Group

Attend a gambler support group. Having support from other gamblers who also want to quit will be an important piece of your recovery. Just sharing about your gambling with other people who understand what you’re going through can be really helpful as it will lighten up your burden.

7. Hand Over Control of Your Money

Ask a close family member to take care of your money. If you do not have money on hand, you will be less apt to impulsively gamble. It will be hard, but it is an important step in your recovery. Also, do not allow yourself to access your ATM or your credit cards. Just keep a small amount of cash with you, so you cannot spend your money in losing.

8. Have Your Pros and Cons

Make a list about how your problem has affected your life in a negative way. Write as much as you can. Also, write about how your life will change for the better when you stop playing.

9. Make a Financial Plan

Talk to a debt counselor about your monetary debts. Ask for advice about how to relieve financial pressure and solve financial problems caused by your past loses. The financial stress that you have from gambling addiction debts can drive you back to gambling if not addressed. Financial problems are the biggest consequence of gambling. Be sure to use a non-profit debt assistance agency, and not one that is for-profit.

10. Get a Good Counselor

See a counselor that specializes in gambling addictions and talk to this person about your problem. If your gambling addiction is terrible, you will need as much assistance as you can get to help you stop gambling.

11. Get Help for Underlying Mood Disorders

Many people with a gambling problem also suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, or other substance abuse issues. These can both trigger compulsive gambling as well as make it worse.

12. Get in the Right Environment

Surround yourself with people that you trust who want to see you recover and avoid any kind of environment where you might be tempted to gamble. Remove applications similar to it from your phone and tell the casinos that you have a compulsive gambling issue and that you want them to block you from entering their vicinity because you’re trying to resolve your issues.

Now that you have made a serious commitment to solving your addiction problem, congratulations! Looking ahead your future without gambling should look brighter and more hopeful.

How to Quit an Addiction
by Shalom A

How to Quit an Addiction

How to Get Over An Addiction

Addiction is a complex state. It is a brain disease that is indicated by uncontrollable substance use regardless of the damaging effect it may cause. Individuals with the acute substance use disorder have an extreme center of attention on using a conclusive substance(s) to the extent that it takes over their life.

Persons with a substance use disorder have twisted thoughts, conduct, and body malfunction. Changes in the brain’s functions are what making people have a strong longing for the drug and making it hard for them to stop using the substance(s). In the course of time, people with addiction develops a tolerance as they need larger amounts to feel the “high”, euphoria, and satisfaction. (1)

List of Some Common Addictions

Some sort of addiction is identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) while others are more delicate and have been identified by some addiction professionals. Addiction is both psychological and behavioral which are distinguished by strong desires, compulsion, inability to stop and lifestyle dysfunction. Here are the lists of some addiction to name you a few. (2)

  • Substances Addiction
  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • Opioids such as heroin
  • Prescription drugs (like sedatives, hypnotics, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers)
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • Amphetamines
  • Hallucinogens
  • Inhalants
  • Phencyclidine AKA Angel Dust
  • Impulsive Disorders Addiction
  • Intermittent explosive disorder (compulsive aggression and assaulting acts)
  • Kleptomania (compulsive stealing)
  • Pyromania (compulsive starting of fires)
  • Gambling
  • Behavioral Addiction
  • Eating
  • Sex
  • Pornography
  • Video Games
  • Pain Seeking
  • Shopping
  • Working

What’s your addiction? Whatever addiction you are dealing with in your life right now, confessing that you have a dilemma is always the first step to prevailing over it. It’s not going to be easy but it can be overcome. All you have to do is make time in straightening out your plan for quitting, ask for help, and prepare yourself for whatever drawbacks that you will surely experience along the way.

Steps on How to Quit your Addiction

1. Decide to Quit

Writing down the harmful effects of your addiction and seeing the list on the paper will help you resolve to stop. Write down all the negative effects that you have experienced since your addiction started.

Think about how your addiction has affected your physical health, maybe you are experiencing a health risk right now due to your addiction. Also, make a list of how this addiction has hurt you not just physically but also mentally. Think about how this addiction affected your relationship with your family and your friends. How many ruined relationship does it caused you? List the amount of money you have spent feeding your addiction? Does it take a big financial toll on you or are you experiencing big debts right now? Determine whether your addiction has affected your job. Did you got fired? Think about such things.

Aside from writing down the negative effects on how these addictions affected you, also, make a list as well of the positive changes that you want in your life. Imagine your life after you have overcome this addiction and how this decision will turn your life around.

Lastly, write down your quitting commitments. Have a list of concrete reasons why you want to stop and stick on those reasons as you plan your life ahead. Your reasons for quitting must be more important to you than continuing your addictive behavior. Whether you’re quitting for you wife and children or because you want to live your l

ife longer. Make sure these reasons will motivate you to quit permanently.

2. Seek support

You’ll be needing all the support and motivation to get through this battle. Seeking professional help and support from your loved ones could be one of your powerful weapon in overcoming addiction. There are plenty of professional institution who can help you get through with this who can serve as your support system who will be helping you to stay motivated, providing you with tips for success and encouraging you to try again if you’re finding it hard to succeed.

Make an appointment with a therapist who is an expert in addiction too. You have to find which therapy best fits you whether it is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, gestalt techniques and life skills training. A therapeutic environment guarantees that you will have solitude and the attention will be based on your specific needs and goals.

Look for support from your closest loved ones and friends as well. Let them know how much this means to you and how much you really want to change to get better. Ask them to keep reminding you of your goals and keep you motivated until you succeed with your addiction battle.

3. Know your triggers

This is some sort of habit you execute right before you act out the new habit you’re trying to perform. If you’re trying to quit smoking, this could be something as simple as chewing gum or drinking a glass of water every time you fight the urge to smoke a cigarette. If you’re addicted to gambling, passing a casino on the way home might make you feel pressured to quit.

Also, know what’s stressing you out. Oftentimes, stress triggers addiction. Furthermore, situations and peer pressure can also trigger so make sure that you stay away from what can trigger your addiction.

Get your environment ready too. Remove whatever reminds you of your addiction. Get rid of all the objects that go along with the it, as well as other items that remind you of your addiction.

4. Handling your withdrawals

Keep yourself busy. If you need distractions, take up new but interesting hobbies like exercising, learning new skills and hanging out with friends who will be a good influence on you. Positive social interactions can revitalize the release of neurochemicals which induce feelings of pleasure and contentment without the need for drugs or other addictive substances.

The physical and mental pain of addiction withdrawal is existing. Don’t listen to the evil voice that is telling you to start back up and don’t give up on yourself even when it feels hard. Every bit of pain will be worth it in the end.

Don’t let relapse be the end of your fight. Everyone fails from time to time but it doesn’t mean that you should give in and return to your addictive habits. If you have a slip-up, go back to what took place and rule what changes you can make if it occurs again, then get back on your feet and start all over again.

In the end, celebrate your triumph.  After meeting your objectives, reward yourself by doing things that make you feel good but distract you from your addiction.Knocking down an addiction is incredibly hard work, and you deserve to be rewarded. Live a long satisfying life! (3)

by Luke Ruatoka

Does Health Insurance Cover Rehab?

Addiction Treatment And Health Insurance

Not every drug addiction is the same. For that reason there are also many types of addiction treatment programs. People who are living with a dependence on drugs and medications have distinctive treatment options available to them. We are here to educate people about drug addiction treatment in an effort to help addicts find the right treatment program to help them kick the habit.

Many people who do not get treatment for their addiction say it because they do not have health insurance to cover the cost. In reality, the cost of addiction is much much higher. Drug addiction will not only take all the users money, but often their life. Getting treatment should be a priority at all costs.

There are two major types of drug addiction treatment:

  • Inpatient – Inpatient treatment is ideal for anyone who needs to remove themselves from their family or social environment in order to be successful in recovery. This type of treatment isolates the patient for a period of time from their normal association so that the body can return to normal without outside triggers and influence. In this case the addicted person lives at the treat ment facility.
  • Outpatient – Outpatient treatment can also be very effective while not having as large of an impact on the addicts life. In this case the patient can live at home. This allows them to keep their job. Outpatient treatment may be less effective though if the user is heavily and physically dependent on the substance.

Other Types Of Addiction Treatment

In addition to those two types, there are several other types of drug and alcohol treatment.

Some of them are as follows:

  • Women Only Drug Rehabilitation – These facilities cater only to female patients. This creates a better environment for recovery if the woman was in an abusive relationship or just feels more comfortable in an all woman environment.
  • Teens Only Drug Rehabilitation – If adolescence are addicted to drugs, they may have a better chance of recovery when in a program serving only other teens. Teens will be more comfortable and be able to relate more to their peers.
  • Dual Diagnosis Drug Rehabilitation – People who are suffering from mental illness and drug addiction are known as dual diagnosis patients. They are considered to be high risk individuals. These addicts need special care from specialists trained to handle this type of scenario.

Drug Treatment Basics

Drug addiction is a very difficult but treatable disease. The drug user should try multiple treatments because there is no single treatment for everyone. The treatment should be specific to the addiction problems that the user has.

Drug treatment needs to be easily accessible without barriers due to the fact that many addicts are already apprehensive about seeking treatment. It’s also important that NO drugs are used during treatment.

Rehabilitation can provide an addict a safe environment where they can physically and mentally stabilize themselves without the use of drugs and alcohol.

Private Insurance

Private insurance is much more expensive than public insurance. There are a number of private healthcare options available to people that cover rehab. The major benefit of private insurance is that the insured person has more control over their care. Private health insurance plans are paid for exclusively by the individual.

Public Insurance

Public insurance is available through the insurance exchange. Fewer facilities are accessible through this type of insurance. However, public health care is more affordable and more common. There is even a chance that the drug addicts insurance may be completely subsidized through government programs so there is no cost at all to the patient.

When drug rehabilitation options are not available through an insurance plan there are some nonprofit organizations which can provide these services.

Regardless of your situation, if you or a loved one are addicted to drugs or alcohol, it is likely that there are options which can either partially or completely cover the cost of treatment.

by Luke Ruatoka

Inpatient Vs Outpatient Rehab

Should A Person Get Inpatient Or Outpatient Treatment?

The term inpatient means that the person who is suffering from an addiction disease must be admitted to hospital so that they can be intimately supervised during their detox and recovery. Whereas the term outpatient means that the treatment does not necessitate hospital admittance and can be executed outside of hospital grounds. Inpatient treatment is also called residential treatment.

Benefits of Inpatient Rehab Treatment:

Inpatient treatments have several potential advantages over outpatient rehab. Treatment often involves a stay of 28 days, although the actual duration depends on the conditions, diagnosis, insurance coverage and requirements etc. The patient will be under the care of specialist counselors 24 hours a day. This kind of treatment can be intense as your entire life at the rehab clinic is focused around recovery. One of the most important advantages of inpatient treatment is that you are removed from your prior association and the worries of daily life.

Drawbacks of Inpatient Treatment:

There are also some disadvantages of inpatient treatment. You cannot come and go as you please. You have to stay in a strict and ordered environment which dictates every action you take during your stay. This can be undesirable for some people but it is also important for recovery in some cases. There is also the challenge of taking time off work. Some employers may not cater to the addicts need for treatment.

Outpatient Treatment and its Benefits:

Outpatient treatment is very similar in many ways to inpatient treatment but without the level of restrictions. This allows for the patient to retain their job and family obligations which might be critical if the addict is the breadwinner for a family.

Outpatient Benefits:

There are many benefits to outpatient treatment. The patient retains the ability to perform their daily duties which may include caring for children or parents and maintaining a job. Counseling sessions are usually held during the evening and on weekends to accommodate for work and school. The addict can start applying what they learn to daily life immediately. This type of treatment can also be much more affordable.

Drawbacks of Outpatient treatment:

The major disadvantage to outpatient treatment is the fact that the drug user will not be removed from their normal life situation. Any associations or triggers that motivate drug use will remain and may potentially act as pitfalls for the addict. It’s often common day to day worries that will drive an addict to relapse. Success of one treatment over another varies from person to person, but if the addiction is very severe or the user has been addicted for a very long time, outpatient rehab might not be effective.

What sort of addiction treatment is right for you?

When considering which type of addiction treatment is the right choice consider that you might not be qualified to decide. A medical professional is going to be able to make a much more educated decision. Receiving the proper treatment is vital to recovery and recovery is vital for life. This is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Both types of rehab treatment have their place and both can be very effective for beating addiction. It’s time to consult a professional who can help you make the right choice for your unique situation.

by Luke Ruatoka

What Should I Know About Going To Rehab

Finding the right addiction treatment option is most likely the most important step in an addicts recovery journey. Every year, thousands of people enter drug rehab treatment for recovery. Rehab plays a huge role in guiding the addicted person towards a life free from drug abuse or alcohol. It can be overwhelming when making a treatment decision. That is why it’s so important to educate yourself on the options available.

Rehab may be a drastic life change

Desperate times call for desperate measures and rehab is no different. Treatment may call for a major overhaul of a persons life. Inpatient rehab facilities, which require the the addict live at the facility for a month or more, may cause the patient to feel afraid of committing to treatment. This fear is only exacerbated by the fact that the addict is most likely already mental and physically drained by their addiction. It’s important for the addicted person to understand that it is a disease they are suffering from. Sick people need professional treatment to recover. If an addict is not yet in rehab it is critical that they ignore their apprehensions and seek help.

In an effort to avoid treatment many drug addicts will try to beat the disease through sheer force of will. This absolutely won’t work. Doing so will ultimately result in relapse and the drug use will return with a vengeance. Each time the user returns to using it is often much worse than before. It may be painful but treatment is the only answer.

There are number of things you should know about when going to rehab. Some of them are as follows:

  1. Follow the rules and regulations – First and foremost, you must follow the rules while enrolled in rehab. You should accept that the rules are there for a reason and the reason is your recovery. The rules in rehab provide a structured environment which allows the drug addict to focus every ounce of their energy and focus into recovery.
  2. Follow the advice of the counselor – It’s important to follow all the advice provided by your counselor. They are professionals and have experience and success dealing with your exact situation. Your counselor’s instruction will speed up the recovery process as they have your quick recovery at heart.
  3. Always ask questions – As stated, all your mental energy should be focused on recovery. That means any confusion, frustration, or fear will only slow down the process. In an effort to reduce stress, make sure to ask questions about anything you are unfamiliar with. This will help make your stay pleasant.

Try to be friendly – While in rehab try not to take out your anger and frustration on the staff. This will likely be a very difficult time for you and the staff is trained to handle these sorts of things, however the more effort they can focus on your recovery the more success you will have. On the other hand it is very important to find some outlet for your frustration so make sure to bring it up to your counselor so that he or she is aware and can help you work through it.