Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Gambling Disorders

The fourth theme involves improved self-discipline, self-control, or control over gambling. Self-control refers to clients developing an ability to control their own behaviour (Mackenzie et al., 2007). A number of individuals in our study reported that mindfulness helped them stop and think about what they were doing, which made it possible to reset their “mind (s) and allowed a rational response to life events”. One participant recounted that s/he could now prevent “going into autopilot”, an important development as problem gamblers often report being on autopilot while gambling (Gupta and Derevensky, 1998).

Financial devastation is perhaps the most quantifiable consequence, yet the ripples extend to erode mental health, disrupt relationships, and disintegrate the foundation of trust and security on which personal and professional lives are built. Allow yourself to celebrate every time you go a full day without gambling, resist the urge to place a bet, or go for a walk instead of gambling. So if gambling’s wrecking your life (or someone you care about), recovery isn’t just hopium—it’s legit. The future’s about spotting at-risk folks early—like college kids or people with other addictions—and giving them tools before gambling becomes a problem. It’s a mental debug tool for gambling addicts, clinically proven to crash the addiction loop. JP helped in writing and revising the paper, addressing the reviewer’s comments, and interpreting the broader application of the issues.

An important area of problem gambling research involves investigating the cognitive factors that contribute to a gambler’s difficulty in controlling the impulse to engage in repeated, persistent gambling (see Petry, 2005; Toneatto, 1999, for reviews). For example, many problem gambling behaviours (e.g., chasing, incremental betting) are the result of erroneous beliefs about the concept of randomness (Toneatto et al., 1997; Turner, 1998; Turner et al. 2006). Yet even if people are taught about the concept of independence of random events, the act of gambling itself can overpower what they have learned (see Benhsain et al. 2004; Sevigny and Ladouceur, 2003). Furthermore, people with gambling problems have reported going into a trance-like state while gambling, which suggests that problem gambling often involves automatic thoughts that take place outside of awareness (see Jacobs, 1988; Gupta and Derevensky, 1998). Establishing a meditation routine can be empowering, evolving from a daily task into a life-affirming ritual.

In this post, we’ll discuss how mindfulness can aid in managing a gambling addiction and how the RecoverMe app’s 20 mindfulness audios can support recovery efforts. With the recent release of 10 new audio specifically designed to help with urges, sleep, and managing negative emotions, the RecoverMe app offers even more support for those looking to overcome gambling addiction. Mindfulness, a practice with roots in ancient Buddhist philosophy, promotes heightened awareness and presence in the current moment. It encourages practitioners to observe their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment or immediate reaction. By doing so, mindfulness helps individuals recognize their patterns, including the mind’s compulsion to engage in gambling as a response to stress or emotional discomfort. Through present-moment awareness, individuals learn to ground themselves in their immediate surroundings and experiences.

How you know it’s a problem

People with gambling problems often engage in negative behaviour to deal with anxiety, tension, and other stress-related feelings (see Jacobs, 1988;Turner, Jain, Spence and Zangeneh 2008;Turner et al., 2006). One common reason for relapse into addictive behavior is physical and emotional pressures (see Marlatt, 1985b;Turner et al. 1997). A number of the participants in our program noted that practicing mindfulness techniques has helped them cope with stress, while other participants revealed that mindfulness had allowed them to relax.

Coping with Emotional Highs and Lows in Gambling Recovery

Once you understand your triggers, you can begin to take steps to interrupt the cycle before it starts. Recovery from gambling addiction is possible, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. With the right tools and support, many people learn how to stop gambling and regain control of their lives. The open-ended feedback responses from the Course Reflection Questionnaire were categorized based on their literal content by two of the authors (FJ & NT) separately, who then combined their results.

A theoretical model characterizing the mechanistic targets of mindfulness training is provided in Figure 1. We also hypothesize that mindfulness training can impede the process of relapse, as shown by the “X” blocking the dashed lines that connect pre-high-risk situations with phasic risk with substance use, by increasing awareness, decreasing the tendency to behave on “auto-pilot,” and decreasing reactivity. Compulsive gambling can be tied to trauma-related addiction, anxiety, depression, and unresolved emotional issues. Many people use gambling as a coping mechanism or a way to escape these distressing feelings, only to find that gambling makes their problems worse. Working with a licensed therapist can help you explore what’s fueling your compulsive gambling, identify your triggers, and build healthier coping skills so you can break the cycle.

These benefits extend beyond addiction recovery, enhancing personal and professional relationships and contributing to a more fulfilling life. In addition to their psychological benefits, meditation and mindfulness can also foster a sense of community and support. Many recovery programs incorporate group meditation sessions, where individuals can share their experiences and learn from one another. This sense of belonging and mutual understanding can be incredibly motivating, as it reminds individuals that they are not alone in their struggles. The shared journey towards recovery can inspire hope and determination, reinforcing the belief that change is possible.

Individuals struggling with gambling often experience intense cravings and urges that can feel overwhelming. These urges are frequently accompanied by automatic, impulsive behaviors that lead to gambling. Mindfulness teaches individuals to pause and observe these urges without immediately acting on them. By doing so, they can recognize the transient nature of these cravings and understand that they do not have to be controlled by them. This increased self-awareness can empower individuals to make more conscious choices, rather than succumbing to the automatic pull of gambling.

The first theme of learning and using the techniques of mindfulness meditation is similar to the “Opening to change” reported by Mackenzie et al. (2007) and the “Processes of meditation” reported by Morone et al. (2008). Our third theme of being more relaxed is similar to the “Improved sleep” noted by Morone et al. (2008). The fifth theme of improving participants’ interpersonal relationships was also reported as “Interactions with others” by Shonin et al. (2013a). The sixth theme—mindfulness provided an overall improvement in participants’ lives—is related to the theme of “Personal growth” noted by Mackenzie et al. (2007) and the theme “Achieving well-being” noted by Morone et al. (2008).

• For those struggling with gambling addiction, meditation can serve as a refuge from the chaos and compulsive urges that often accompany the disorder.
• A number of participants in our study responded that they had achieved a better understanding of social relationships.
• The scale has 15 items designed to assess a core characteristic of dispositional mindfulness, namely, open or receptive awareness and attention to what is taking place in the present.
• When you feel the urge to gamble, try to delay taking action on it for at least 20 minutes.
• De Lisle et al. (2012) reviewed the evidence for a number of different mechanisms that may be involved in mindfulness including dealing with issues such as a myopic focus on reward, psychological distress, rumination, thought suppression, and improving emotional, cognitive, and behavioural flexibility.

This heightened awareness is crucial, as it allows individuals to recognize patterns and make conscious choices rather than succumbing to impulsive actions. Complementing meditation is the practice of mindfulness, which involves being fully present in the moment and accepting it without resistance. Mindfulness encourages individuals to gullybet india engage with their experiences, thoughts, and emotions with openness and curiosity. In the context of gambling addiction recovery, mindfulness can help individuals break free from the automatic responses that drive their addictive behaviors. By practicing mindfulness, they learn to pause and reflect before acting, creating a space between impulse and action. This newfound ability to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively is a crucial step in overcoming addiction.

As individuals become more adept at mindfulness, they can better evaluate the consequences of their actions and make choices that align with their long-term goals. This cognitive enhancement is particularly beneficial in resisting the urge to gamble and making healthier lifestyle choices. While meditation and mindfulness offer numerous advantages, it is important to approach these practices with patience and consistency.

This differs from the cognitive therapy approach of examining the content of the thoughts. Clients practice similar observation of emotion, wherein they focus on the somatic and cognitive constituents of the emotion, but do not “process” it on a content level. Mindfulness-based interventions offer a holistic approach to treating gambling disorders, focusing on techniques such as present-moment awareness, urge surfing, acceptance, non-judgmental observation, and meditation. These practices enable individuals to understand and manage their urges in healthier ways, reducing the compulsion to gamble. When integrated with other therapeutic modalities, MBIs provide a powerful tool for those seeking long-term recovery from gambling addiction.

In the journey of overcoming gambling addiction, individuals often seek various methods to regain control over their lives and find a sense of peace. Among the myriad of strategies available, meditation and mindfulness have emerged as powerful tools that can significantly aid in the recovery process. These practices, rooted in ancient traditions, offer a pathway to self-awareness and emotional regulation, which are crucial in breaking the cycle of addiction. An aspect of our scientific work relating to mindfulness involves investigating its applications for treating addiction. In this respect, we have a longstanding collaboration with Dr. Mark Griffiths who is Professor of Behavioural Addiction at Nottingham Trent University (UK) and is internationally recognised for his work in this field of study. Today’s post draws upon findings from our research using Meditation Awareness Training and provides ten recommendations on the psychotherapeutic use of mindfulness in addiction treatment contexts.