Have you ever sat down for “just one drink” while placing a few online bets? If so, you’re not alone.
For many people, it starts as harmless entertainment. But it can quickly become something else entirely…
Online gambling is more popular than ever nowadays. Alcohol often slips into the mix without much thought. But the combination can be dangerous.
When alcohol lowers your inhibitions and dulls your judgment, those “just one more” bets can spiral into a night you regret and sometimes a pattern that’s hard to break.
If this sounds familiar, it may be time to look at the connection between alcohol use and gambling and think about whether online gambling addiction help could be the next step.
Why Alcohol and Gambling Often Go Together
Alcohol and gambling have always shared space (on casino floors, sports bars, etc.). But even in the virtual world, alcohol can influence the gambling experience.
Alcohol and gambling are a risky pairing because:
- Lowered inhibitions: Alcohol can make you feel more confident and willing to take risks you wouldn’t normally take. That confidence can be dangerous when real money is at stake.
- Impaired decision-making: After a few drinks, the part of your brain that calculates odds and weighs consequences isn’t firing at full power. This means you might keep betting even after losses pile up.
When both of these factors combine, it’s easier to spend more money, chase losses, or make impulsive bets. These are all classic warning signs of alcohol and gambling addiction.
How Online Gambling Makes It Worse
In a physical casino, you have some cues that can signal it’s time to stop: lights coming on, the bar closing, friends calling it a night. Online gambling removes those guardrails.
Instead, with online gambling you have:
- Accessibility 24/7: With apps and websites, the game is always open…doesn’t matter if it’s 2 p.m. or 2 a.m.
- No real-world cues to stop: You can gamble alone at home, with no one to see how much you’re drinking or how much you’re betting.
- Fewer social checks: In a casino, losing too much might prompt someone to step in. Online, no one is there to notice.
Without these boundaries, it’s easier for a casual habit to turn into something that requires online gambling addiction help before it gets worse.
The Research on Alcohol and Gambling Addiction
Research shows a strong link between gambling and alcohol use. In fact, studies have found that people who drink alcohol while gambling play more riskily and for longer periods. They are also far more likely to develop alcohol use disorder compared to those who don’t gamble.
For anyone who is already in recovery, adding gambling (especially online gambling) can trigger a dangerous relapse. That’s why addressing alcohol and gambling addiction together is so important.
Why This Combo is Dangerous for Recovery
When alcohol and gambling mix, they feed into each other. Alcohol lowers your guard and makes you take bigger risks with your bets. Gambling losses can lead to stress or shame, which you might try to numb with another drink.
This back-and-forth can become a loop that’s hard to escape without professional support. If you’ve been thinking about getting online gambling addiction help, it’s worth looking at your alcohol use at the same time.
How Do You Break The Alcohol and Gambling Addiction Cycle?
Stopping either gambling or drinking on your own can feel overwhelming. Trying to stop both without help is even harder.
We don’t recommend trying to detox from alcohol by yourself specifically, because the withdrawal effects cam quickly become dangerous or even fatal.
But what if you don’t want to check into a traditional rehab program?
That’s where in home detox can be the perfect solution!
With medically supervised care, you can safely address alcohol withdrawal without the stress of leaving home. Breaking free from alcohol first can give you the clarity and stability to tackle gambling head-on…and stick to your recovery plan.
Get Online Gambling Addiction Help
If you’re struggling with alcohol and gambling addiction, you don’t have to fight it alone. Support is available. Taking the first step now can prevent deeper problems down the road.
At Detox Concierge, we can help you detox from both alcohol and drug addictions. We offer at home alcohol detox as well as at home opioid detox, at home cocaine detox and at home Kratom detox. We’re located in Newport Beach, Orange County, but we travel to homes all across the US.
Feel free to reach out to us today for a free consultation and learn more about how our in home detox services can help you start recovery with the commitment and support you deserve.