Gambling Addiction: Treatment & Support in Ireland Explained
For a long time, I didn’t think I needed help. I thought I could control my gambling on my own, but the reality was that my addiction had taken control of me. I cannot stress enough how difficult it is to get help when it comes to gambling. If I had a substance use disorder then people might have understood the addictive nature and erratic behaviour, but with gambling one must endure the popular question: ‘why cant you just stop?’ The fear of others knowing about your gambling addiction is a powerful deterrent when seeking help. You believe it to be a moral failing within yourself rather than the illness that it truly is. Not that one can see it at the beginning of their recovery journey, but eventually you will realise that other people’s opinions are absolutely irrelevant to your recovery, and if someone is going to comment or judge you for this illness then that is their issue, not yours. Of course, that’s not to say that you can ignore the people you have hurt as a result of your behaviour. Addiction or not, your healing journey will include making amends, but, your recovery can only be achieved through focusing on the elements that are within your control.
So what is within your control? When seeking treatment and support, it is within your control how you choose to approach this. So let’s look at the options.
Addiction Counselling
Addiction counselling can help you understand the root causes of your addiction, break harmful thought patterns, and teaching you skills to manage urges. It involves working one-on-one with a trained counsellor who specializes in addiction. The counsellor will help you explore the underlying emotional, psychological, and behavioural factors that contribute to your gambling addiction. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is commonly used in addiction counselling to help change negative thought patterns and behaviours related to gambling. Personally, I think it is a great first step in the recovery journey as your counsellor can help you to explore what it is you actually need. It is very important to remember that there is no one size fits all approach to recovery, and what works for one person is not guaranteed to work for the next.
Pros:
Personalized treatment: You’ll receive individual attention, and your counsellor will tailor the treatment to your specific needs and circumstances.
Confidentiality: The sessions are private, creating a safe space to explore sensitive issues without fear of judgment.
Skill-building: Many addiction counsellors use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches when it comes to addiction. CBT can help equip you with coping strategies to manage urges and prevent relapse.
Cons:
Time commitment: Addiction counselling typically requires regular sessions, which can be time-consuming. Though I have put this in the cons category, in reality you cannot expect to tackle gambling addiction without putting in the hard hours.
Cost: Addiction counselling can be an expensive option if you chose to go private, however, this will depend on your financial situation. Some counsellors offer sliding scale fees, but the financial burden might still be an issue for some. Luckily there are some organisations in Ireland that can offer free counselling.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment (or inpatient treatment) is a more intensive form of rehabilitation where individuals live at a treatment facility for a set period. These programs provide structured environments with round-the-clock care and therapy. It’s ideal for those whose gambling addiction is severe and who need a more immersive approach to recovery. Residential treatment provides an intensive, immersive approach to recovery, which can be particularly beneficial for those who need to break the cycle of addiction in a safe and supportive environment. It helps you detox from the addiction, learn new coping strategies, and gain the strength to re-enter daily life with a stronger foundation for recovery.
Pros:
Immersive support: Being away from triggers and living in a controlled environment can help individuals focus entirely on their recovery.
24/7 care: You’ll have access to professional support at any time, which is especially important during the early stages of recovery when urges can be overwhelming.
Group therapy: Residential treatment often includes group therapy, which can be helpful for building connections with others who are going through similar struggles.
Cons:
Disruption to life: Residential treatment often requires taking time off work or disrupting family life, which can be challenging for some people. This was not a realistic option for me as a single mother with two young children.
Cost: This type of treatment can be expensive, but there are financially friendly options and some health insurance will cover the cost.
False Reality: This is my personal opinion on this, and others may disagree. There are many benefits to being given space and time to recover from gambling addiction in a safe space, however, there is also the reality of coming back out into the environment you left which has not underwent the same support you have. In other words, you may leave behind a broken environment that is still there waiting for you when you get back which I would imagine could be much more triggering than choosing to recover within that environment.
Peer Support Groups & Programs
Peer support groups provide a community of individuals who share similar experiences with gambling addiction. These groups are accessible both in-person and online and offer a space where people can share their struggles, successes, and recovery stories. Peer support groups can provide connection and shared understanding, which is invaluable when navigating the ups and downs of recovery. Hearing others' stories and receiving advice from people who are further along in their journey can offer hope and inspiration. Johann Hari tells us: ‘The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection.’
Pros:
Community support: Being part of a group of people who understand what you’re going through can help reduce isolation and offer encouragement.
Accountability: Peer support groups often encourage regular attendance, which helps individuals stay committed to their recovery.
Free: Most peer support groups are free to attend, making them a cost-effective option for those who need support.
Cons:
Group dynamics: Some people may find group settings intimidating or uncomfortable, especially in the beginning.
Not personalized: While the group offers a shared experience, it may not address the unique aspects of an individual’s addiction or recovery journey.
General Practitioner
A General Practitioner (GP) is your primary care doctor, who can provide an initial point of contact if you're struggling with gambling addiction. GPs can offer referrals to specialists, help you assess the severity of your addiction, and manage any physical or mental health issues that arise during recovery. Seeing a GP is an excellent first step if you’re unsure where to turn for help. They can assess your overall health, offer advice, and provide referrals to addiction counsellors or treatment programs that are more tailored to your needs.
Pros:
Accessible: GPs are often the first point of contact for many individuals seeking help, and they can refer you to other services.
Holistic care: GPs can address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of addiction, including any co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders.
Confidentiality: As a trusted healthcare provider, a GP offers a confidential and supportive environment to discuss sensitive issues.
Cons:
Limited expertise: While GPs are knowledgeable, they may not have the specialized expertise in addiction treatment that therapists or counsellors do.
Limited treatment options: A GP can refer you to specialists, but they may not provide the long-term, in-depth support needed for gambling addiction.
Recovery Coaching
Recovery coaching is a form of support provided by a trained coach who specializes in addiction recovery. Recovery coaches help individuals set goals, stay accountable, and provide ongoing guidance as they navigate their recovery journey. Unlike counsellors or therapists, coaches focus more on practical, forward-looking strategies. Recovery coaching can provide ongoing motivation and practical advice, helping you stay focused on your goals. It can be particularly helpful for those who have completed a treatment program and need support as they transition back into everyday life. Coaches can also help with relapse prevention strategies and maintaining long-term recovery.
Pros:
Personalized support: A recovery coach tailors their approach to your specific goals and challenges, offering guidance on managing day-to-day recovery.
Accountability: Coaches help you stay on track with your recovery plan, which can be motivating and help prevent relapse.
Empowerment: Recovery coaching focuses on helping you build self-efficacy and confidence in your ability to overcome gambling addiction.
Cons:
Cost: Similar to addiction counselling, recovery coaching can be expensive, but, there are again options for free coaching provided within some organisations.
No therapeutic role: Recovery coaches do not provide psychotherapy, so they may not be the best option for addressing deep-seated emotional or psychological issues.
Self-Help Tools
Self-help tools offer an accessible and cost-effective way to work on your recovery. They can be a great starting point, especially for those who are not yet ready to seek formal treatment or prefer a more flexible approach. These tools can also be used in conjunction with other treatments for ongoing support. These might include books, apps, worksheets, and online courses. Self-help tools provide guidance and structure for those looking to make changes in their behaviour independently.
Pros:
Accessibility: These tools are often free or low-cost and can be accessed anytime and anywhere.
Flexibility: You can use them at your own pace and according to your schedule.
Empowerment: Self-help tools put you in control of your recovery process, which can feel empowering and motivating.
Cons:
Lack of professional oversight: While helpful, self-help tools may not be as effective without professional guidance, especially for those with severe addictions.
Loneliness: It can be isolating to work through self-help materials without the support of a community or counsellor.
As expressed above, the information provided here has been compiled from my own personal and professional experience in navigating the field of gambling addiction treatment and support within Ireland. I tried almost all of these options at one point, and to be honest, I would advise a combination of the above options as you go through different stages on your recovery journey. One thing I feel very strongly about is the inclusion of peer support at some stage as this was a crucial factor in my recovery journey.
