Psychologist for gambling addicts: psychological aspects of treating gambling addiction

License of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated 08.07.2020 No. 3197/L-P

Igromania is one of the forms of addiction, the development of which has rapidly increased with the emergence of new variants of games. if earlier, gambling addiction was diagnosed, for the most part, in casino regulars and gambling enthusiasts, then with the emergence of many computer toys and virtual reality, the disease has acquired enormous proportions. Addiction, first of all, develops on the psychological plane. And only then problems with the psyche cause disorders of the physical state of the patient. Treatment of game addiction without professional work of a psychologist is impossible. 

A psychologist plays a crucial role in helping game addicts. He or she helps to understand and change the patterns of thinking and behaviour associated with gambling. Therapy is carried out in stages. In the first step, the specialist analyses the patient’s condition, assesses the patient, analyses the factors causing the attraction to games and explores the psychological feelings behind the addiction.

The psychologist helps the player to develop inner motivation to get out of the addictive state and to realise the negative consequences of gambling addiction.

In the course of psychological work, a set of techniques is applied:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – helps the patient to recognise and change negative thoughts and beliefs associated with gambling, subsequently developing healthy alternatives.
  • Acceptance Therapy – Help focuses on developing personal values and established goals to create harmony and balance in life.
  • Group therapy – group support sessions, participation in groups where people share their experiences and work together to develop strategies to change attitudes towards play.
  • 12-step therapy – relevant in some situations, the choice to use the approach is made depending on the patient’s condition.
  • Family therapy – working with the family helps to resolve family conflicts and teach the family behaviours that will help support the player in recovery. Communication skills and boundary setting within the family are taught.

The psychologist assists in developing healthy strategies for managing emotions and stress that previously led to turning to play. Emotional regulation skills training is provided to develop self-management skills. Working with the patient on controlling time and activity, regulating daily routines and establishing healthy habits helps to avoid relapses and to learn how to manage everyday life without gambling. 

Psychologist for Gamblers Cost (Price)

Psychologist for gambling addiction1200 UAH

The psychologist assists colleagues in developing a plan for long-term recovery.

Psychological treatment often involves an iterative process where the psychologist and patient work together on different aspects of the problems. Key elements of this approach include understanding the origins of addiction, developing healthy management strategies and creating a supportive environment for recovery.

Why a gambling addict needs a psychologist

Gambling addiction or ludomania is an addiction that affects mainly the psychological sphere of a person. It is not possible to cure addiction forcibly, and there will be no result without serious motivation for treatment. The task of a psychologist at the first stage of the fight against addiction – to help the patient to realise his addiction, to understand its consequences, to see what the world can be without global immersion in gambling. It is impossible to cure gambling addiction with pills and injections. This is a serious disease, the main specialist in the treatment of which should be a psychologist and psychotherapist.

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