Gambling Addiction
Treatment in Tennessee

Gambling Addiction Treatment in Tennessee

Gambling sometimes causes harm in a person’s life. Efforts to stop or reduce gambling can be difficult, despite continued harm or financial distress. When this happens, an individual may be experiencing gambling disorder or gambling addiction. Gambling problems are often stigmatized as a failure of self-control, which is not the case. The Gambling Clinic in Tennessee offers help to those experiencing harm from gambling.

Gambling disorder is characterized by an inability to control gambling behaviors, resulting in significant personal and social consequences for the individual struggling with the condition.

Problem gambling affects hundreds of thousands of people in Tennessee and can lead to financial ruin, strained relationships, depression, criminal activity, mental health problems, and even suicide. Gambling addiction can manifest itself in many ways, including increased preoccupation with gambling activities, chasing losses (gambling more money than intended), and engaging in riskier forms of gambling, such as online gambling.

Gambling addiction is a serious mental health disorder with many potential signs and symptoms. It can often be difficult to detect, as those who gamble harmfully don’t view their gambling as a problem and tend to go to great lengths to hide their behavior from others.

Common signs of gambling addiction include:

• Preoccupation with gambling, including actively gambling, planning future gambling activities, and thinking of ways to get more money for gambling.
• Having to increase the amount of money gambled to get the same thrill.
• Lying about gambling habits to family and friends.
• Inability to control or cut back on gambling habits.
• Frequenting gambling establishments often.
• Using gambling as a means to escape problems and stress.
• Experiencing symptoms like irritability and restlessness when attempting to stop gambling.
• Choosing to gamble even with the risk of losing relationships with family and friends.
• Loss of work and education opportunities because of gambling.
• Asking others for financial help when you have no money left because of gambling.

Problem gambling can have devastating effects on an individual and their families, friends, and loved ones. Some of the common effects of gambling addiction include the following:

• Financial Problems: Problem gambling can often lead to financial hardship for individuals as they spend more money than they can afford to gamble. This can lead to debt, bankruptcy, and other financial problems.
• Relationship Issues: Problem gambling cause stress in relationships due to the time spent gambling or the money spent on gambling. Relationships with loved ones may become strained as a result of gambling behaviors.
• Mental Health Issues: Problem gamblers are at a higher risk for having other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety due to gambling-related stressors.
• Legal Issues: Problem gambling can also lead to legal issues, as people may turn to illegal activities to fund their addiction.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Addictive gambling behavior can cause problems with concentration and focus, making it difficult for individuals to perform day-to-day tasks.
• Negative Impact on Physical Health: Problem gambling can harm physical health by causing a lack of sleep, poor diet, and lack of exercise.

Continue our longstanding relationship with the Department of TN Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to build:

• An online resource center that provides all Tennesseans, including those hesitant to receive therapy, with options for creating change
• A web-based portal for those concerned about another’s gambling
• Access to information for service providers including an online referral system
• Regional clinics that offer telehealth and/or in-person treatment with an intentional and concerted effort to support historically under-served communities

At The Gambling Clinic, we specialize in providing gambling addiction therapies to those struggling with gambling problems. Our expert staff of mental health professionals are here to provide resources and services to help with problem gambling. We understand the immense pressure gambling addiction can have on an individual, so we strive to make the treatment process as comfortable and stress-free as possible for all our clients.

Screening

Ready to get a glimpse into your gambling? An anonymous online test can help you evaluate your gambling habits. Get the insight and feedback needed for gaming healthier.

Therapy

Are you looking for help with a gambling-related issue? At the Gambling Clinic, we offer one-on-one, evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy. Our flexible approach can accommodate our individual client-based goal: whether they’re seeking complete gambling abstinence or simply a reduction in current levels of involvement. We strive to provide services to anyone who needs help. We will not turn you away because of any financial barrier. We also offer a variety of payment plan options to best fit your financial needs. We strive to meet people where they are and provide support as needed over 5–10 weeks with one appointment per week.

Consultation

Are you looking for a listening ear? Our counselors provide free and confidential phone consultations. An experienced professional can help determine what sort of help, if any, you are interested in pursuing for gambling harms – so don’t hesitate to reach out!

We also offer free and confidential consultations for the loved ones of those who struggle with gambling. If you’re struggling to talk to your loved one, don’t hesitate to call us!

Education

Many individuals benefit from simply learning more about gambling. The Gambling Clinic, alongside the TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, provides educational resources that are accessible, engaging, and evidence-based.