RCA’s Gambling Compulsion Track

Gambling Disorder is a behavioral addiction that occurs when persistent gambling behavior leads to significant impairment or distress. It is diagnosed when at least four of the following behaviors are observed over a 12-month period:

1. Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money to experience excitement.
2. Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
3. Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control or stop gambling.
4. Is preoccupied with gambling such as reliving past experiences or planning future bets. (
5. Often gambles when feeling distressed (e.g., anxious, depressed, or helpless).
6. Returns to gambling to “chase” losses after losing money.
7. Lies to conceal the extent of gambling behavior.
8. Jeopardizes or loses significant relationships, jobs, or opportunities due to gambling.
9. Relies on others for financial support due to gambling-related debt.

These behaviors are often seen in individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), making the co-occurrence of these conditions especially challenging. Addressing both requires a specialized, integrated approach to care.

RCA’s new Gambling Track is designed to give patients the tools they need to regain control over their addiction and compulsions for a life of long-term recovery.