It’s all made to look so glamorous: big winnings, bragging rights, respect and admiration from your peers as you flaunt your successes. Well, that’s the dream anyway. Is it possible? Sure, but highly improbable. That’s why it’s called gambling and not called winning.

You see and hear them everywhere, the ads for the apps that portray online gambling as immediate, easy and fun. What they don’t tell you is gambling triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, creating a high similar to that caused by drugs or alcohol. Which for some can send occasional use straight into a gambling disorder, “the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life.” Also known as compulsive gambling or problem gambling, what starts as harmless betting can evolve into risking everything for that next big score.

It’s skyrocketing popularity and societal acceptance have made online gambling the hidden danger out in plain sight. In a recent report published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, online searches seeking help with problem gambling has increased 23%. And it’s estimated that over 2 million adults in the US meet the criteria for severe problem gambling.

As with any addiction you start to face consequences but continue anyway. This is how you know you have crossed the line from problematic to addictive. Be aware of the signs that you or a loved one may have more than a casual relationship with gambling. Psychiatrist Dr. Robert Custer, a pioneer in the field of helping compulsive gamblers, broke down the progression of gambling disorder into three stages:

  • The Winning Phase – It starts with the excitement. It could be one big win or a couple of small wins and the gambler believes they’re lucky, or talented, or both. Which makes it easy for them to rationalize letting it ride and continue to spend their time and money gambling.

  • The Losing Phase – As their gambling continues and they inevitably begin to lose, they chase their losses convinced their luck will turn. But in reality it turns into time spent gambling alone, borrowing money, maxing out credit cards and lying to family and friends about where the money has gone.

  • The Desperation Phase – Consumed with breaking even and paying off debts, the gambler continues to risk it all for another win. Which even if it does happen leads to more gambling and more losses. And not just financial, those losses can include their job, their family, their home.

If any one of those phases sounds familiar, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or at a loss about what to do, you are not alone. Speaking with a medical professional, therapist, or coach can help you begin the healing process. The Recovery Coach NY is a safe place for a confidential conversation with a member of our Recovery, Mental Health and Family Coach teams. We listen actively, without judgement, and help you discover the tools, techniques and resources needed for next steps. For more information, you can contact Cindy directly at 631-921-4085 and via email.

There are resources available if you’re feeling uneasy about reaching out one-on-one. Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and GAM-ANON are places where problem gamblers and their loved ones gather to share the toll gambling has taken on their lives. And The National Council on Problem Gambling has both a confidential helpline – 1-800-GAMBLER – and chat line that are available 24/7 for individuals and their friends and family who are struggling with problem gambling in their lives.

It’s scary to admit you or your loved one are a compulsive gambler. Possibly the only thing scarier is living with the consequences of problem gambling. Whatever path you choose, starting on the road to recovery is the right choice.

If this sounds like you, someone you love or someone in your network, The Recovery Coach NY is here to help with every level of support. We honor all paths of recovery with years of experience and a vast array of resources that encourage those in need find a way to a life of joy and purpose.

We offer Recovery Coaching, Mental Health Support & Coaching, Sobriety & Mental Health Companionship, Executive Function & Accountability Coaching, Academic Coaching & Scholastic Support, Safe Transport, Case Management, Psychedelic Integration Coaching, Intervention and Emergency Services. For more information about our services, visit our website.

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