Help For West Los Angeles Seniors Addicted To Gambling

You may suspect that a senior you know has a problem with gambling. The signs of addiction might be apparent to you, especially if have previously experienced addiction or been close to someone who has. Some of these signs might include erratic behavior, a sudden need on the part of your elder to be secretive, or large sums of money (or even frequent small sums) suddenly going missing from bank accounts. Any of these symptoms could be a cause for alarm – and if an elderly person in your life is exhibiting multiple odd behaviors, it may be time to get him or her some assistance for a gambling addiction.

Once you have identified that there is a problem, don’t forget to treat the senior in your life with kindness, respect, and compassion. Countless people suffer from addiction, and this type of problem can feel humiliating to a person. This sort of issue is related to mental illness, and a person who suffers from it should be regarded as an individual with a health problem. You will find plenty of resources in the West Los Angeles area that may be of great help to you and your senior loved one. Remember that you can get help from a caregiver employed by a licensed West Los Angeles home care agency – this type of professional might help out by transporting your elder to meetings or counseling sessions. Here are a few of the gambling addiction assistance resources you might access in the West Los Angeles area.

Cliffside Malibu

Although its name would suggest that it is in Malibu, Cliffside is actually an addictions treatment center in Santa Monica. This facility specializes in dual diagnoses; this may be ideal for your senior if he or she also suffers from another addiction or mental illness in addition to gambling. Dealing with multiple addictions is not uncommon; a person might simultaneously manifest the signs of gambling addiction along with an eating disorder or a problem with alcohol. The professionals at Cliffside Malibu take a holistic approach to addictions therapy, which has proven successful with many clients. One of the demographics that the facility specifically focuses on is elders over the age of 65.

Dr. Eric Geffner’s Gambling Treatment Program

If you live in the Westside area of Los Angeles, then you may want to direct the elder person in your life to this facility on Westwood Blvd. Dr. Geffner has been implementing treatment for gambling addiction since 1998. As he puts it, “Pathological gambling is a treatable disorder”. If he is not accepting new patients at the time you contact him, he can refer you to a large network of licensed therapists who have been trained in treating gambling addiction.

California Council on Problem Gambling

If you are unsure of which facility to use – or if you simply want to research more information on gambling addiction before you address the issue with the senior in your life – you can browse the website for the California Council on Problem Gambling. You will find a Helpline there, as well as many other resources that may be helpful for elderly people with gambling issues in the West Los Angeles area. The site also offers a link to certified gambling counselors – so this may be a good place to get started.

Gamblers Anonymous

This is always an excellent resource for individuals who have a gambling addiction. Gamblers Anonymous meetings are free, so they provide an ideal place for people who are addicted to gambling but don’t have much extra income to spend. The senior citizen in your life will be surrounded by others who are actively working at recovery the 12-Step way. You’ll find meetings in many parts of California, including West Los Angeles neighborhoods like Cheviot Hills.

John Silver, PhD

Dr. Silver’s West Los Angeles area office is located on Sawtelle Blvd, but he even offers online counseling for those who cannot get to his location. He provides addictions treatment, and he helps a wide variety of demographics – including seniors. He has provided online therapy for over 20 years, but he is also a board-certified therapist who practices traditional therapy, as well.

The realization that a senior you know is addicted to gambling can be tough. However, numerous professionals in the West Los Angeles area are available to assist your loved one in recovery. Once you help that person take the first step and admit the problem, dealing with it may not be as overwhelming as you might suspect it would be.

Disclaimer: The resources mentioned here are provided as a courtesy to you. They are intended to provide examples to assist in your understanding and learning about the types of resources that may be available. We do not recommend or endorse these or any other third party resources, and you should carefully investigate and review any providers of good or services before doing business with them, and then make your own choices.

Photo by KSUContinuingEd