At approximately $18 billion per annum, Australian’s spend more than any other country on gambling and betting activities.
Gambling often begins at a recreational level and may not involve large sums of money. When this behaviour becomes unrestrained, individuals may not be aware of the damage their behaviour has on themselves and their loved ones and may evolve into compulsive gambling.
Compulsive gambling is the regular urge or need to partake in gambling behaviours. This may include (but is not limited to): online betting, electronic betting games like Keno or “pokie” machines, and casino style games.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, total gambling expenditure in Australia increased from $22.6 billion in 2001–02 to $25.0 billion in 2018–19. The social costs of gambling include adverse financial impacts, emotional and psychological costs, relationship and family impacts, and the loss of workplace productivity.
Compulsive gambling harms not only the people directly involved, their families, peers and the wider community (Goodwin et al. 2017).
What is Compulsive Gambling?
Compulsive behaviours may be driven by a desire to suppress or avoid unpleasant or painful emotions, such as stress, sadness, loneliness or fear. In some cases, underlying mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety may also contribute. Unfortunately, gambling can also exacerbate the emotional difficulties, creating a feedback loop of unhelpful behaviours.
Therapy and recovery from compulsive gambling requires a multidisciplinary approach that uncovers underlying causes, as well as equipping the individual with practical strategies to cope in a healthy, productive way. Skills in emotional management, perspective and goal setting, and rest and relaxation are all important components of recovery.
Common Causes of Compulsive Gambling
Compulsive gambling can impact anyone, and many different causes can lead to the onset.
When answering the question of what is compulsive gambling? we need to consider the compulsions that lay behind gambling. Compulsive behaviours may be driven by a desire to suppress or avoid unpleasant or painful emotions, such as stress, sadness, loneliness or fear. In some cases, underlying mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety may also contribute.
Unfortunately, this can exacerbate emotional difficulties, creating a feedback loop of unhelpful behaviours.
Therapy and recovery from compulsive gambling require a multidisciplinary approach that uncovers underlying causes and equips the individual with practical strategies to cope in a healthy, productive way. Skills in emotional management, perspective and goal setting, and rest and relaxation are all essential components of recovery.
Signs & Symptoms of Compulsive Gambling
There are various signs and symptoms that may indicate problematic gambling behaviours that could lead to more severe gambling issues. Despite these characteristic behaviours, remember each person has a unique experience.
Like many other compulsive behaviours, an evident characteristic of compulsive gambling is the irresistible or strong desire to engage despite obvious loss and harm. This can often lead to lying, secrecy, and relational and financial strain.
Individuals may spend much time thinking about gambling activities, planning their moves and tactics, or obtaining necessary funds for their behaviours.
In addition, significant amounts of time spent gambling may be at the expense of other responsibilities such as work, family, eating, and personal hygiene.
Compulsive Gambling Treatment
Compulsive gambling is a behaviour that often has deep roots in emotional avoidance or pain. A multidisciplinary, holistic approach to recovery is necessary to achieve long-term freedom from gambling and other behavioural patterns. With appropriate and specific interventions incorporating medical support and psychological and emotional therapies, compulsive gambling can be resolved.
COMPULSIVE GAMBLING TREATMENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Effective results from a combination of emotional and psychological therapists, offering a variety of therapeutic methods including ACT, CBT, brainspotting, music therapy, art therapy and EAGALA equine-assisted therapy*
- Regular onsite psychiatry consultations and medically supervised medication changes if necessary*
- Thorough post-program support from The Banyans team to assist in long-term adherence and ongoing support*
- Regular sessions with registered psychologists and degree-qualified health practitioners including nutritionist/dietitian, equine therapist, yoga therapist, exercise physiologist, and art therapist*.
- Multidisciplinary approach to therapy equips individuals with the skills and strategies for long-term management and recovery.
- Advanced genetic testing underlies individually designed nutritional plans based on deficiencies, intolerances and preferences*
- 24/7 support staff trained in mental health first aid. Round-the-clock support staff for emotional support*.
- Onsite nurses, chefs and support staff*.
*Depends on program selected.
With healthy coping strategies, tools and support, you can overcome compulsive gambling and rediscover the fullness of life.
Compulsive Behaviour Specialist
Access to Specialists, General Practitioners and onsite Nurses further assist in the medically support approach to recovery from compulsive gambling. In partnership with other treating professionals, guests receive thorough support in all aspects of their health and wellbeing.
Emotional & Psychological Therapies
Compulsive behaviours such as gambling often begin as infrequent occurrences that become much more significant over time. The reason for this varies for every person, making the individual, one-on-one therapy at The Banyans incredibly beneficial. Engaging with a number of registered therapists ensures that you access a therapeutic modality that connects with you and helps you uncover the deeper aspects driving your experience with compulsive gambling.
Psychiatry
In some instances, recovery from compulsive gambling can be assisted with appropriate prescription medication. Regular consultations with onsite Psychiatrist Dr Anja Kriegeskotten will provide thorough emotional and medical support. Dr Anja will also partner with you to decide whether prescription medication may be a suitable tool for you in overcoming compulsive gambling behaviours.
Ongoing support
Guests work with their psychologist at The Banyans to create a detailed return-to-life plan, ensuring that the changes made at The Banyans last long into the future. The Banyans Healthcare team continues to partner with guests throughout their transition back home, and will continue to be available throughout their recovery journey.
THE BANYANS
Therapies for Compulsive Gambling
Medical Support
Regular consultations with Physicians, Psychiatrists, General Practitioners & Registered Nurses.
Psychological Therapies
Regular psychological therapy with degree-qualified professionals to address underlying causes of your experience.
Emotional Therapies
Engage in evidence-based & emerging therapies, including equine-assisted therapy, art therapy & neurologic music therapy.
Physical Therapies
Tailored sessions with your exercise physiologist and yoga therapist, and swim in our infinity magnesium pool.
Nutritional Therapies
Personalised nutrition plan and supplement regime developed by a qualified nutritionist & based on advanced testing.
Discover Our Rehab Programs
Residential Programs
Tailored treatment plans delivered entirely one-on-one for focused recovery. Treating mental health, trauma & eating disorder concerns.
- Live-in treatment typically 2 – 6 weeks
- Brisbane hinterland
- Multidisciplinary team, evidence-based program
Day Programs
Flexible & focused programs to prioritise your wellbeing while balancing life. Treating mental health, trauma, eating disorders & workplace wellbeing.
- 1 day per week, up to 8 weeks
- Bowen Hills Luxury Facility
- Multidisciplinary team, evidence-based program
Online Programs
Gain access to The Banyans industry-leading programs from anywhere in the world via our digitally delivered Online Programs.
- Flexible schedule over 14 – 28 days
- Anywhere in the world
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The Banyans Bespoke
Bespoke is the right fit when exclusivity of place, companion integration, or heightened discretion are essential to successful treatment.
- Sole Use of The Estate
- Brisbane hinterland
- Private by design. Clinically rigorous by standard.
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Helpful Resources for Compulsive Gambling
The Banyans team have created a number of helpful resources below to assist if you think you, or a loved one, are experiencing compulsive gambling.
Discussion Manual | Compulsive Gambling
If you think you, or a loved one, are experiencing compulsive gambling, this guide will assist with understanding the condition and recovery options. This short, mobile friendly PDF is specific, easy to use and free to download.
Rehab Checklist
There are a number of critical considerations when choosing a rehabilitation program. The Banyans understands this, and our team has created a checklist to help you ask the most important questions when choosing the most effective program for your needs.
The Banyans Education Videos
At The Banyans, we have a number of videos that can help you learn more about trauma, therapy, co-occurring conditions and supporting a loved one towards improved health and wellbeing.
Videos | Discover The Banyans
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