Gambling is an activity that involves risking money or something of value on an uncertain outcome. It can be exciting and fun, but for some people gambling becomes a problem that can affect their health and wellbeing. Problem gambling can lead to debt, problems at work and family relationships and even homelessness.
People gamble for many reasons – they may be looking for an adrenaline rush, socialising, or to escape from stress or worries. Some people are more prone to developing a gambling disorder than others, with research suggesting it’s 50 percent genetic and 50 percent environmental.
Those who have a gambling disorder find it hard to control their gambling. They can gamble to the point where they lose control and become unable to stop, even when they have lost all their money. They will often try to win back their losses by doubling or even tripling their bets. They might also borrow money or sell possessions to fund their gambling habits.
It’s important to recognise the signs of a gambling problem, such as losing control over your finances, putting yourself at risk, and having urges to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. There are treatment options, support groups and self-help tips.
Gambling can be addictive and cause serious harm to your health. It can have a huge impact on your physical and mental health, affect your relationships with friends and family, make it difficult to do well at work, cause depression, anxiety, and even suicide. It can also lead to financial difficulties, debt, homelessness, and even crime.
In recent years there has been a change in how we view people who have gambling disorders, from being seen as gamblers with problems to being diagnosed with a mental illness. This is similar to the way we now understand and treat alcoholism.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating problem gambling, some treatments that have been found to be helpful include psychodynamic therapy, which explores how unconscious processes influence behavior; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you learn healthier coping skills; and group therapy, which can provide moral support and motivation.
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone – there is help out there. You can speak to a trained professional about local referral resources such as certified gambling counselors or intensive treatment programs in your area. You can also contact us to talk about what you’re going through. It’s important to get help before the situation gets worse, so seek help early. The sooner you do, the easier it is to get back on track and stay healthy.