What if My Addiction Is More Than Just Gambling?

Whether you realize it or not, gambling may be only part of the story. Most people with gambling addiction suffer from additional habits or underlying mental health issues that exacerbate their condition. If you or someone you care about is struggling with compulsive gambling behavior, it’s essential to recognize the interconnected nature of addiction and mental health.

Dual Diagnosis: In many cases, those with gambling addiction have a dual diagnosis, meaning they struggle with both the addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder. Dual diagnosis requires specialized treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously, otherwise it’s ineffective. Common co-occurring diagnoses include:

Substance Abuse: Gambling addiction is linked to thrill-seeking behavior and can lead to experimentation with controlled substances. For many gamblers, use of alcohol, illegal drugs, and/or nicotine seems to enhance their gambling experience or help them cope with the stress and anxiety it produces.

Compulsive Behaviors: Beyond gambling, people with addiction may also engage in other compulsive behaviors such as excessive shopping, eating disorders, or risky sexual behavior. These behaviors serve as coping mechanisms or ways to numb emotional pain but can further exacerbate the cycle of addiction.

Depression and Anxiety: The financial strain, relationship difficulties, and shame associated with gambling addiction can create or contribute to a worsening of preexisting mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, or it can trigger the onset of new mental illnesses.

Trauma: A significant proportion of those who struggle with problem gambling also report a history of past trauma or loss. Many of those reporting such a history may have gambled to relieve or avoid trauma-related stress or grief.

What to Do About Coexisting Addictions
At Gambling Clinic of Texas, we understand how addictions and mental health affect each other. Our compassionate team provides comprehensive treatment plans based on the unique needs of each individual and all their addictions, whether it’s substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, excessive shopping, nicotine use, or spending too much time playing video games. Our evidence-based therapies, counseling, and support groups are designed to help clients like you navigate the challenges of addiction and put them on the path toward mental health recovery.

We know that with the right support and treatment you can gain control of your gambling addiction and co-occurring disorders. By addressing the underlying issues driving addictive behaviors and your mental health struggles, you can heal and find wellness again.

Gambling Clinic of Texas is here to help you on your journey toward gaining control of your addiction. Take the first step by completing our free Self-Assessment to see whether you have a serious addiction. Then reach out to us to schedule an appointment to learn more about your options and our approach to counseling.