The understanding of Gambling Disorder (DSM V) has been in catch up mode due to the prevalence of its existence exploding Nationally and Internationally.
In recent years, two of the major discoveries that assist in the treatment are 1. Changing the ‘social settings’ by which the individuals affected continually place themselves in e.g. Pokies - Pub’s, Clubs and Casinos. 2. Social Isolation due to community perception of gambling.
Changing social settings and exercise are increasingly being prescribed by doctors in the treatment of many disorders including anxiety, depression and isolation which really become a ‘thing’ during covid and is now prevalent across western society.
The main reason why this pathway is successful is that our bodies naturally produce Dopamine, Serotine, Oxytocin and most importantly Endorphins which create feelings of happiness and wellbeing which substitute the feelings which makes us keeping going back to gambling and eventually nullifies/counteracts our brains need for that source of stimulation.
Benefits of engaging in social activities, like joining a book club or attending group fitness classes, can be more than just fun, they have the potential to enhance your mood and even improve physical health.
When you spend time with others during these social activities, it helps reduce stress levels significantly. This is because such meaningful social interactions act as natural mood boosters that promote positivity and happiness.
Moreover, there are studies that suggest that participating in recreational activities reduces anxiety levels while improving work-life balance.
The camaraderie shared during team games or camping trips not only creates unforgettable memories but also fosters better interpersonal skills.
Engaging in group activities is one effective way to experience these rewards.
The social activity that provides the best balance of all natural chemicals, exercise, brain function, physical coordination and physical touch is dancing.
Combine dancing with music and the body and mind come alive and one of the easiest dance styles to learn, which is also contemporary today, is Modern Jive followed by Rock and Roll, Swing, Latin.
Australia is heavily represented with all these styles of dancing classes and venues to turn the lessons into social outings. Most styles have meet up groups or Facebook pages showing the best venues and bands to make the experience exceptional.
Anything to do with music provides the next best opportunity to quickly remove yourself need to gamble, joining a Choir, Singing group or Band.
If this is not your thing, Relaxing and Listening to music is almost as good.
Ever thought about joining a team sport? Not only do they let you enjoy some healthy competition but also get your heart racing with exhilarating physical exercise. e.g. tennis, soccer, touch football, basketball, volleyball, rugby, water polo, handball, lacrosse, cricket, baseball, and the various forms of football, and hockey.
Group fitness classes like Zumba or Pilates can be an excellent choice too if sports aren't quite your thing.
Camaraderie is another great bonus when participating in team sports. Going out to compete together can be a great way for people to bond, whether it's in pursuit of victory or just having fun.
Joining a book, wine, art or periodical club offers intellectual stimulation and provides an avenue to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion.
It's also a great place to develop critical thinking by discussing various perspectives of yours and your club members experiences.
Enrolling in a Pilates or Yoga studio provides both mental relaxation and physical exercise. These classes foster community spirit as you learn new moves or poses together with others.
If you have an interest in photography or art, joining local clubs can be enriching. You get to improve your skills under expert guidance while networking with other enthusiasts.
Taking part in cooking classes
Cooking classes allow you to explore different cuisines while learning practical life skills, nothing brings people closer than sharing meals that they've prepared together!
Physical work out classes - particularly if undertaken outdoors.
Bushwalking and Orienteering clubs are very successful at reducing anxiety and depression.
Reluctance to seek assistance
Frequently asked questions
Firstly undertake either the Problem Gambling Severity Index questionnaire (PGSI) or the NORC questionnaire so that you know what your level of gambling habit is.
You may not be down the ‘rabbit hole’ as you think.
If you are experiencing severe, high or moderate gambling addiction there are many proven solutions.
You just need to take the first step and decide to do something about it.
We get accustomed to the environment that we feel comfortable in, it is associated with pleasure and not feeling pressure. We build up relationships within that environment and feel it would be too much of a detriment to alter it.
The alcoholic loves being at the pub, chatting to everyone, or being with their mates, the release of endorphins that our brain gives off is so strong that it hurts to be away.
The same applies to gambling, ‘betting with mates’ the rush of the casino, the highs and lows of playing the pokies combine this with alcohol or drugs and your brain produces excessive dopamine and endorphins which you take to be a good thing, and it is when in moderation.
By changing your environment you gamble in your body/brain starts to adjust to a normal level of operating.
If the environment you change to can also provide a simpler stimulus then your body/brain quickly says I am good with this situation and adjusts the levels of chemicals to a normal level or says keep doing this activity it feels good.
Dancing or anything to do with music is a fantastic substitute as these environments produce the similar response to gambling but don't have the side effects of money loss and feeling of stigma that gambling addiction produces.
There are many other ways and HelpStop’s socialising pathways assist you in changing your environment simply and quickly.
Life is full of stepping stones, sometimes it is one step forward and two steps back.
By returning to your goals and the procedures you have in place e.g. the Reset App or not participating in your old gambling environment you will start to take control of again.
Continuing or starting to see a counsellor or life coach will steer you back on the path that you truly desire.
The research shows there are many reasons why people gamble.
The simplest ones are the adrenaline rush to win money, socialise or escape worries or stress.
These then morph into deeper desires as your brain and body associates this with the production of dopamine, endorphins, Serotonin and Oxytocin which assist you to feel happy and alive and wants to experience more of that sensation.
On a deeper level it can come from a childhood trauma which gambling provides an escape from.
In recent years it has been discovered for boys that online game e.g Fortnite and girls that use social media, any type, which are designed to be addictive and with the combination of energy drinks, which contain sugar and caffeine, hold open a massive door towards gambling in the future, particularly when they have discretionary income and are of age to gamble, which is why there is so much discussions within all governmental levels to address gambling advertising which reinforces the allure.