Mixed addiction means that a person has problems with several forms of addiction at the same time, for example gambling in combination with alcohol, drugs, medication or other behavioral addictions. Gambling addiction and alcohol abuse often interact, where alcohol can increase the risk of gambling problems and vice versa. The combination reinforces the addiction through similar effects on the brain’s reward system and often reinforces the problem and makes both detection and treatment more complex. Unlike substance addiction, gambling addiction is not about a chemical substance, but the brain’s reward system is affected in a similar way.
Gambling addiction – a behavioral addiction
More men than women seek treatment for gambling addiction. While many women are depressed even before they start gambling for money, men only become depressed after several years of gambling. This, and much more, is shown by world-unique research from Sahlgrenska University Hospital’s (2023) gambling addiction and screen health clinic.
– Studies show that men first become addicted to gambling – then they get all the other problems, such as high alcohol intake, anxiety and depression. For women, it’s the opposite. When they start gambling, they are already depressed or have anxiety, then the gambling addiction comes. They also don’t start drinking more alcohol, which men do.
What is mixed addiction?
In mixed addiction, two or more addictions occur in parallel. Gambling and alcohol are a particularly common combination. Alcohol can reduce impulse control and increase risk-taking, which in turn leads to more intense gambling. At the same time, gambling-related stress can lead to increased alcohol consumption.
Why is mixed addiction more complex?
- Increased impulsivity – multiple addictions reinforce each other.
- Higher risk of relapse – if one addiction is activated, the other is often triggered.
- More challenging treatment – efforts need to be coordinated.
- Greater psychosocial impact – finances, relationships and mental health are often greatly affected.
People with co-dependency also have a increased incidence of: Anxiety and depression, sleep problems, suicidal thoughts and social isolation
Early detection is crucial
Signs that a gambling problem may be linked to other addiction problems:
- Changed consumption patterns of alcohol or drugs in connection with gambling
- Financial problems without a clear explanation
- Increased secrecy
- Significant stress related to finances
- Rapid mood swings
Identifying and addressing both parts early reduces the risk of serious consequences.
Personalized Support and Relapse Prevention
Previct Care works excellently as a support for mixed addiction. The client can perform alcohol and drug tests in their home environment and the caregiver can follow the client’s tests, sobriety and well-being remotely. Through Previct Care, the caregiver can get to know their client better, which increases the chances of detecting a relapse early. Previct Care support functions can be used as enhanced support in the treatment of gambling addiction. Many therapists experience that clients receive help to create structure in everyday life, establish new positive routines and support when the classic thought traps arise.
The client downloads the Previct App to their mobile phone, which is then connected to the Previct Care Portal. Previct Care provides the client with support and tasks that help combat substance abuse and/or the need to gamble on a daily basis. When the client uses the Previct App, information is collected about the client’s habits, triggers and behavioral patterns. With this information, the caregiver can create more individualized and targeted support for the client.
Would you like to know more about how Previct Care works? Contact us! info@kontigocare.com
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