Gambling Addictions: Is Your College Student at Risk?

photo of a young man's hand holding some playing cards at the casino

Sometimes the warning signs of addiction are obvious. If a heroin user overdoses or an alcoholic gets arrested for drunk driving, you know that they need help – and quick. Though, there are other forms of addiction, like gambling, that are just as dangerous but harder to spot.

Did you know that over six million adults currently meet the criteria for problem gambling? And, what is even more alarming is that college students represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the population who gamble online on a regular basis.

In a recent study published by the University of Connecticut, researchers found that 23 percent of college students reporting gambling online and 6.3 percent did so each week.

While placing the occasional “friendly wager” may seem innocuous at first, it can escalate into compulsive behaviors that can cause many profoundly negative psychological, physical and social repercussions.

It’s important to note that there are warning signs of a gambling addiction. If your college student is exhibiting some of all of the symptoms below of a gambling addiction, it’s important to consult an experienced addiction recovery specialist for help.

5 Telltale Signs of a Gambling Addiction:

1. Escalating financial losses and excessive credit card or personal debt. Gambling addicts often feel that the need to place bets even when they run out of money and often start to borrow money from others or fund their habit with credit cards or short-term loans. Some even resort to selling their personal property to support their gambling when their financial reserves are depleted.

2. Exhibit extreme feelings of sadness and remorse after losing. While gambling is often referred to as a “hidden illness” because there are no physical symptoms, they may talk about feeling depressed after losing money and express regret, shame and guilt over their behavior.

3. Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling. Without the help of addiction recovery professionals, gambling addicts may try, unsuccessfully, to stop on their own – creating a negative cycle of addiction and relapse.

4. Being secretive about how often and how much the person is betting. Many compulsive gamblers often lie about how much or how often they bet. Addicts may start to spend more time alone, avoiding friends and family members.

5. Stealing money from friends and family. When the gambling addiction becomes more severe, some resort to actually stealing money from their roommates, parents and co-workers in a desperate attempt to continue funding their addiction.

Left untreated, a gambling addiction can disrupt the addict’s ability to form healthy personal relationships and interfere with work and social activities. If your son is dealing with a problem gambling addiction, help him find the support he needs and consult an experienced addiction rehabilitation facility.

Getting the Help Your Child Needs
If you believe your child is struggling with addiction, getting treatment is essential. Although most college campuses have a mental health center for students, these facilities are often overburdened and understaffed. 10 Acre Ranch specializes in treating men ages 18 and older who are struggling with addiction issues and drug and alcohol abuse, offering residential rehab. Call (877) 228-4679 to get help for your college student or learn more about our men’s-only CA rehab program.

Intervention Isn’t a 4-Letter Word

a young man with some family members feeling down and sad during an intervention

Like detox, “intervention” is another word that puts fear in the heart of those dealing with a family member’s addiction. What’s important to remember, though, is that addiction can kill—and getting your loved one into rehab immediately should be your #1 goal. With the help of a trained, experienced interventionist, addicts can be convinced to pursue the treatment that may save their life.

Benefits of an Intervention 

Drug and alcohol interventions are designed to confront the addict in a safe, neutral environment. Prior to the meeting, family members are educated about the disease of addiction. This type of knowledge empowers the family to give up enabling, understand their loved one’s behaviors, and commit themselves to the self-care they may have been neglecting. During intervention preparation, family members also decide on the consequences of an addict’s actions should they decide not to pursue rehab.

When a drug intervention or alcohol intervention is professionally facilitated, the addicted individual should not feel personally attacked or isolated. Interventions help friends and family communicate resolve and convince their loved one to enter detox and rehab right now. 

Benefits of professionally run drug and alcohol interventions include:

  • The opportunity to express love & concern for the addicted individual. Addiction tears families apart. Chances are you have not had a recent opportunity to express your love for a child, parent, or spouse caught in the throes of chemical dependency. An intervention is the perfect place to express how much they mean to you and begin the meeting on a positive note.
  • Having an objective expert in the mix. Emotions run high when the topic of drugs and alcohol comes up. A trained interventionist is uncompromised by emotions or personal attachment. They help to prepare you for the meeting and build trust and rapport with the addicted family member.
  • Establishing healthy boundaries. Whether your family member decides to begin treatment or not, attendees should follow through on the boundaries set during an intervention. From cutting an addict off financially to removing them from the home, these are consequences that must be administered for the good of the addicted party and the good of the family unit.

To learn more about the intervention process or inquire about drug and alcohol rehab for men 18 and over, call 877.228.4679 to speak with a member of the 10 Acre Ranch team. Don’t wait another day. An intervention may save the life of someone precious to you.