Isn't There Just a Pill I Can Take?

Yes and No.

Yes, there are new medications that have been found to help control the urge to gamble. These medications may help with the feelings of guilt, depression, and despair which are often triggers of further gambling.

Although we do not endorse a specific medication, you may ask your local psychiatrist who specializes in addictions. He or she will be able to assist you in selecting medications which are specifically suited to your health needs.

However, although these are useful supports, medications will not alter the patterns which you have developed that caused the addiction. Treatment is typically needed to identify and change these issues, and to prevent the recurrence of the addiction or "cross-over" to another addiction. As stated above, these medications generally work on the feelings that lead to relapse rather than treating the issues that lead to the addiction.