The iconic American author Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” Now, the reality is that more and more people are struggling with addiction than ever before. This includes co-occurring gambling and substance addiction. However, the good news is that there are also more ways to recover than ever before. The key is to reach out and ask for help.
Better Understanding Substance Addiction
Millions of people struggle with substance addiction every day. This includes both people in the U.S. and abroad. Unfortunately, many of these people will never get the help that they desperately need, and that sadly means that many people will experience an overdose or even overdose death.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) 2024 “IC Fact Sheet,” “40.3 million people in the United States had an SUD in 2020. In 2020, only 6.5 percent of people with SUD received treatment,” and “In 2021, about 107,000 people died of drug overdoses.” One of the reasons for these numbers also has to do with the stigma surrounding substance addiction.
Many people still have the misconception that substance addiction is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply untrue. Addiction is a disease. In fact, it is now widely agreed upon that addiction is a chronic disease that has more in common with other chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes than it does with a choice. Gambling addiction may also be considered a disease that centers in the mind.
Better Understanding Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is a behavioral addiction, which is similar to substance addictions. According to The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, “Growing evidence suggests that behavioral addictions resemble substance addictions in many domains, including natural history, phenomenology, tolerance, comorbidity, overlapping genetic contribution, neurobiological mechanisms, and response to treatment, supporting the DSM-V Task Force proposed new category of Addiction and Related Disorders encompassing both substance use disorders and non-substance addictions. Current data suggest that this combined category may be appropriate for pathological gambling and a few other better-studied behavioral addictions, e.g., Internet addiction.”
However, it should be noted that gambling addiction is a very specific type of behavioral addiction. According to the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, “Disordered gambling can include frequent preoccupations with gambling, gambling with greater amounts of money to receive the same level of desired experience (tolerance), repeated unsuccessful efforts to control or stop gambling, restlessness or irritability when trying to stop gambling (withdrawal), and the interference of gambling in major areas of life functioning. Criteria also include gambling to escape from a dysphoric state, gambling to regain recent gambling-related losses (‘chasing’ losses), lying in significant relationships about gambling, and relying on others to fund gambling.”
Better Understanding Co-Occurring Gambling and Substance Addiction
Co-occurring gambling and substance addiction is more common than many people may think. This is because these two addictions often “fuel” each other. For example, an individual with co-occurring gambling and substance addiction may drink or use because they have gotten into trouble with their gambling or they are celebrating a gambling “win.” On the other hand, an individual may gamble more because they are inebriated and are unable to use good judgment.
Co-occurring disorders of substance and behavioral addictions are quite common and similar in nature. According to the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, “[S]everal authors have postulated that the criteria of behavioral addiction are comparable with those of substance-related addiction. Patients suffering from behavioral addiction describe addiction-specific phenomena and diagnostic criteria such as craving, excessive behavior, psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms, loss of control, development of tolerance (increased behavior range), and inducing and perceiving expected psychotropic effects (e.g., pathological gamblers use several slot machines at the same time).”
Now, while recovering from co-occurring disorders may be more complex than recovering from an individual addiction, it is certainly possible. There are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one to recover from co-occurring gambling and substance addiction.
Recovering From Co-Occurring Gambling and Substance Addiction
The key to recovering from co-occurring gambling and substance addiction is to find a recovery plan that fits one’s individual needs and stick to it. This usually means a recovery plan that has a foundation of an evidence-based therapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Once this foundation is established, other modalities can be added. These include experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy, as well as holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.
It can also be critical to connect with other people in recovery who also struggle with co-occurring gambling and substance addiction. These people can often be found and interacted with at 12-Step recovery meetings and group therapy sessions. Participating in a sponsor/sponsee relationship can also be highly beneficial.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
It is never too late to recover. The key is to take that first step and ask for help. We’ll be right here when you’re ready.
Gambling and substance addiction often go hand in hand. This is because many people who struggle with substance addiction also struggle with addictive behaviors that can lead to negative consequences. The good news is that there are many means, methods, and modalities that can help individuals with co-occurring behavior and substance addiction. If you feel like you or a family member is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about substance use disorder (SUD) and gambling addiction, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
