The problem gambling crisis is gaining momentum with each passing year, ravaging the wellness of individuals, couples, households, and organizations. Its potential for socioeconomic disruption across nations is now widely recognized, with the topic of Responsible Gaming being added for the first time to the agenda of the most recent G7 Leaders’ Summit.
Those directly impacted are scrambling to find effective treatment solutions to problematic gambling behavior. Some even wonder if there are pharmaceutical interventions to provide a proverbial “quick fix”. While there are no medications specific to gambling disorder treatment, there are those that may be employed to treat mental health issues that are known to cooccur with and aggravate symptoms of the behavioral health disorder. For instance, there is one often-cited study on the combined effects of fluoxetine and risperidone to treat a compulsion towards online gambling. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant, belonging to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing the activity of a serotonin in the brain. Lower serotonin levels may be associated with impulsivity, potentially increasing the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors such as gambling. Meanwhile, risperidone is a type of antipsychotic medication which is also used to treat issues that are comorbid with problem gambling, namely schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Research on fluoxetine combined with risperidone indicates that they may be effective in treating online gambling disorder. However, studied individuals received cognitive behavior therapy (more on this below) at the same time, making it difficult to pinpoint whether improvements were the result of CBT alone, the application of fluoxetine and risperidone, or some combination of factors. Other pharmacological treatments that have demonstrated mixed results in controlled clinical trials include antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.
But pharmacological interventions are beside the point, because you have arrived here after searching specifically for information on natural remedies for gambling addiction. In a world where pharmaceuticals can be prescribed, ordered, and delivered like a pizza via the tap of a smartphone app, you’re rightfully cautious about what goes into your anatomy. Below is an overview of effective treatments (in varying degrees) that are available to those who prefer to use the power of their mind (and body) to flush out the grip that gambling has on their life, with assistance from qualified clinicians.
Important: While there are no medications formulated specifically to treat problem gambling, there are those that have shown to be effective in treating symptoms of mental health issues which are associated with problem gambling (anxiety, depression, et cetera). Adding to the complexity, is the fact that there are mental health medications that can actually encourage problematic gambling behavior. It is therefore critical to receive a clinician-provided assessment to find out if there are any comorbidities, for which controlled pharmacological interventions may be appropriate as a component of a holistic treatment strategy.
Three “Natural” Treatments for Gambling Addiction that Don’t Involve Pharmacological Intervention
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Technically, natural remedies are treatments for conditions that utilize naturally occurring substances that are typically derived from plants, minerals, or other organic sources. We wanted to clarify this, just in case you were searching for information on natural remedies based exclusively upon this definition. But even if so, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) should not be excluded from consideration because for all intents and purposes it is a “natural” form of treatment as it focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors to promote a healthier state of mind and body.
As a primary problem gambling treatment integration at Kindbridge Behavioral Health, CBT has demonstrated both short-term and long-term positive effects for clients. Another advantage for those seeking natural remedies for gambling addiction (who may not want to enter a physical clinic environment) is accessibility and convenience. CBT can be effectively delivered via online counseling and by phone (telehealth) and through private one-on-one sessions and group counseling, as preferred.
Mindfulness and Meditation Practices
In the context of problem gambling treatment, mindful meditation is a clinician-guided practice that involves focusing on the present moment without judgment, often through techniques such as sensation observation and deep-breathing exercises. A counselor will help you train your attention and become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations as the urge to participate in casino gaming or sports betting (etc.) arise. It takes time to become adept at mindful meditation, especially when triggers to gamble infiltrate your space, but when working closely with a counselor you will develop the skills to overcome the urge to gamble, whether you’re bored at home or out with friends at the local sports bar.
Replacing Gambling Dopamine with Whole Food Dopamine
The gambling dopamine connection is well-researched. Participation in casino gaming, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, lottery, horse racing betting, trading, and all other forms of gambling raise dopamine levels, whether an individual is winning or losing. Over time, an individual must increase wager volume and/or frequency to sustain the levels of dopamine that the brain has become accustomed to. Any attempt to abstain is accompanied by an overwhelming compulsion to give the brain what it demands. In order break the gambling-and-dopamine link, treatments must consider replacing the unhealthy dopamine producer (gambling) with a healthier dopamine producer.
This is where the more literal definition of natural remedies for gambling addiction comes into play. Because dopamine (and other neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and epinephrine) is made from the amino acid, tyrosine, getting more of tyrosine from food could potentially boost dopamine levels in your brain. This can assist during those moments of gambling abstinence when the brain is screaming for dopamine.
Natural foods that are high in tyrosine include the following:
- Meats such as poultry, beef, pork, and lamb
- Dairy foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sesame seeds
Further, leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in folate, which is essential for dopamine synthesis and can be blended into a shake with some of the above whole foods. Vegans and vegetarians may find it challenging to get adequate amounts of tyrosine in their diet, but there are vegan- and vegetarian-friendly L-tyrosine supplements that are derived from plant-based sources to align with dietary preferences.
While nutritional adjustments are certainly not a sole remedy in the battle against gambling addiction, it is a great complement to clinician-guided CBT and mindful meditation.
*Always consult with a physician/nutritionist prior to making significant dietary changes.
We conclude this article with a reminder to begin your journey to escape the grip of gambling addiction by receiving a FREE assessment. This free assessment will address the severity of problematic gambling behavior and confirm (or disprove) the existence of potentially cooccurring mental health issues. The result will be a clinician provided (and guided) treatment strategy that works!
Get Help for Problem Gambling Today
CALL +1 (877) 426-4258
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Email help@kindbridge.com
