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Adulthood: Transitioning Into (Expert Forum)
Reformed compulsive gambler with anxiety problems
Answered by
Jason Greenberg, Ph.D. - Anxiety, Depression
Dr. Jason Greenberg
New York - NY
Questions in the Transitioning Into Adulthood forum are answered by Dr. Jason Greenberg, PhD. Topics covered include Anxiety, career choice struggles, depression, drug/alcohol abuse, job issues, living on one's own, relationships (parents/family), relationships (romantic), responsibility issues, separation issues, sexual issues, sexual orientation issues
Reformed compulsive gambler with anxiety problems
by Dan79, Jul 28, 2009 01:50PM
I have had a gambling problem on and off for the past 15 years, the past two years being the worst and a progressive decline into serious debt. I gave up gambling 3 months ago and have been attending GA which seems to be working at the moment. Unfortunately a side effect of giving up the gambling seems to be increased anxiety which is playing havoc with my day to day functioning, possibly even more so than the gambling ever did. I think I gambled to escape my emotions, as I really have no relationships with people outside of work, no friendships and haven't had a significant romantic relationship for almost 7 years. I am edcuated (degree in civil engineering) and have a decent job (although I feel that I should have progressed further than I have, possibly as a result of lack of drive due to gambling). I have recently turned 30 and want my life to change, but the anxiety I am feeling is almost paralysing me at the moment and I feel like I have nowhere to turn. I am a naturally introverted person and don't like discussing my feelings, so find it difficult even in the GA setting to open up. I would really like some advise on getting over the anxiety, as it has really knocked my confidence in work as I am finding it difficult to concentrate on tasks and feel very stressed all the time. My job is demanding and stressful at the best of times, but I used to be able to cope, but am finding it increasingly difficult. Many thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Jason Greenberg, Ph.D., Jul 29, 2009 03:34PM
, Jul 29, 2009 03:34PMTo: Dan79
If I understand you correctly, you used gambling to cope with anxiety; now that you have taken away your main coping mechanism, you've got the experience of anxiety with no new coping mechanisms in place. You mentioned that you have a hard time opening up to people, but I think that if you were willing to take the risk, individual psychotherapy with a therapist you can grow to trust would enable you to develop new, more adaptive coping mechanisms. Is that something you'd be willing to try? Have you tried therapy before?
