Addiction doesn’t always come in isolation. For many people, it shows up in more than one form, often feeding and masking each other. One of the most dangerous and overlooked combinations is alcohol misuse and gambling addiction. Individually, both can be devastating. But together, they create a cycle that’s uniquely difficult to break.
At The Recovery Lodge, we frequently support individuals struggling with multiple addictions. Understanding how alcohol and gambling interact, and how to treat them together, is critical to achieving lasting recovery. In this blog, we’ll unpack the nature of these dual addictions, how they impact each other, and what support is truly effective.
A Common but Dangerous Pair
On the surface, alcohol and gambling might seem like social activities. A few drinks at the pub, a night out at the casino, betting on the football with friends. But for many, that casual use turns into compulsive behaviour. And when the two habits co-exist, the risks escalate dramatically.
Here’s why they so often go hand-in-hand:
Alcohol lowers inhibitions
Once someone starts drinking, they’re more likely to make risky or impulsive decisions, including gambling more than they intended to. This disinhibition can fast-track a small bet into a major loss.
Gambling is used to numb emotional pain
Just like alcohol, gambling provides a distraction. For those struggling with stress, trauma or depression, gambling offers a temporary high, one that’s often followed by deep regret.
Loss leads to more use
Losing a bet can trigger guilt, panic and a desire to “win it back.” Drinking after a loss is also common, fuelling further poor decisions and reinforcing both habits.
They both thrive in secrecy
People with gambling or alcohol addictions often hide their behaviour, which leads to isolation, financial problems, and shame, all of which increase the likelihood of continued use.
The Emotional Toll of Dual Addictions
When alcohol and gambling collide, the emotional and psychological toll can be enormous. Individuals often experience:
- Intense guilt and self-blame over money lost or promises broken
- Financial instability, debt, and in severe cases, legal trouble or job loss
- Strained or broken relationships due to secrecy, arguments, or dishonesty
- Mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and low self-worth
- A deepening sense of hopelessness, where escape seems impossible
And yet, despite the suffering, many people wait years before seeking help, often because they fear judgement or don’t realise dual treatment options exist.
Why Dual Addiction Needs Dual Treatment
Treating one addiction while ignoring the other is rarely successful. If someone stops drinking but continues to gamble, the emotional volatility remains, and vice versa. That’s why integrated treatment is essential.
At The Recovery Lodge, we specialise in treating co-occurring addictions. We understand that both behaviours serve a purpose, often as coping mechanisms for deeper pain, and that both must be addressed for recovery to be sustainable.
Our approach includes:
Full Clinical Assessment
We take time to understand the full scope of your experience, including mental health, trauma, behavioural patterns, and lifestyle factors, so we can create a personalised plan.
Addiction-Focused Therapy
We use evidence-based therapies to help individuals understand the triggers behind both alcohol misuse and gambling behaviours and develop healthier coping strategies.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is especially effective in treating gambling disorder. It helps individuals identify distorted thinking (e.g. “I’m due a win”) and reframe those thoughts with reality-based insights.
Group Support and Peer Sharing
Hearing others share similar experiences can be transformative. Our group sessions allow clients to feel less alone and learn from each other’s victories and setbacks.
Financial Counselling and Practical Support
Gambling often leaves people in financial crisis. We support clients in building a path out of debt, setting boundaries, and taking steps toward financial recovery.
Relapse Prevention Planning
Both alcohol and gambling can be triggered by stress, boredom, or social environments. We help clients identify personal risk factors and build a plan for staying on track.
Looking for Signs of Dual Addiction
If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, here are signs that both alcohol and gambling might be a problem:
- Drinking heavily or more frequently during gambling sessions
- Gambling while under the influence of alcohol or making reckless bets
- Borrowing or stealing money to cover losses or fund drinking habits
- Hiding alcohol use or gambling activity from friends and family
- Regularly chasing losses or rationalising bets after drinking
- Feeling anxious, ashamed or depressed after gambling or drinking
- Trying, and failing, to stop either behaviour
Final Thoughts
Dual addictions can feel overwhelming, like you’re fighting two battles at once. But you’re not alone, and there is a way forward. With the right support, people do recover. They rebuild their lives, repair relationships, and learn to feel again, without needing to numb or escape.
If you or someone you care about is facing both alcohol misuse and gambling addiction, contact The Recovery Lodge today. Recovery is possible, and we’ll walk every step with you.