Hi 47 West and welcome,
Hereditary? Learnt behaviour? Unhealthy escape techniques? A combination of these and oterh things?
All of the above might be true.
The important thing, when it comes to stopping gambling, isn’t the “why” though. It is to address the issue and do the things that help us stop gambling.
You ask about “alternative treatments?” I would recommend reading the other stories here and applying the tried and tested ones. Like putting barriers in place, like using support here, like getting to Gamblers Anonymous meetigns, putting barriers in place etc.
I would recommend trying to be honest wiht your husband. he is probably wondering where all the money is disappearing to anyway. he could help with some fo the barriers.
Keep posting and let us know the positive steps you are taking to make your next bet less likely