Let’s Talk About…CBT for Gambling Addiction

In this episode of Let’s Talk About CBT, Helen Macdonald speaks with James from the charity Gambling with Lives about the serious impact of gambling addiction, its links to mental health, and the role of CBT in recovery.

What We Cover in This Episode:

🔹 How gambling has changed – From a backstreet niche to an industry making billions through addictive products.
🔹 Gambling addiction and mental health – How gambling harms go beyond financial loss and can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
🔹 The neuroscience of gambling – How gambling rewires the brain, making it difficult to stop.
🔹 Recognising the warning signs – What to look for in yourself or a loved one.
🔹 The role of CBT in recovery – How cognitive behavioural therapy is a key treatment approach in NHS gambling addiction services.
🔹 Breaking the stigma – Why gambling addiction is not just about personal responsibility and we need to talk about how it can harm people and the amount of gambling advertising that is out there.
🔹 Getting help – Resources for those affected, including training for healthcare professionals.

Resources & Links:

Find out more about Gambling with Lives: gamblingwithlives.org
Visit Chapter One for training and resources: chapter-one.org
NHS gambling support services: NHS gambling support
If you or someone you know needs urgent help, reach out to Samaritans at 116 123 (UK) or visit samaritans.org

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Credits:

Music is Autmn Coffee by Bosnow from Uppbeat

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/autumn-coffee

License code: 3F32NRBYH67P5MIF

This episode was edited by Steph Curnow

Transcript:

Helen: Hello, and welcome to Let's Talk About CBT, the podcast where we talk about cognitive and behavioural psychotherapies, wh