Dealing With Gambling Addiction
Gambling involves risking something of value (money or other assets) in order to win something of greater value, usually through a game of chance. This includes betting on the outcome of a sporting event, purchasing lottery tickets, scratchcards and keno. It can be done in places like casinos, racetracks, bars and online. It’s important to understand the risks of gambling so that you can make informed choices and protect yourself.
In some cases, gambling can lead to serious financial problems. This is because the amount of money lost may exceed your available income. Gambling can also cause stress and damage relationships. For example, people who gamble often hide their gambling from their family and friends, which can create tension. They might also lie about their spending habits. This can lead to arguments and even separation.
Whether you’re dealing with gambling addiction in yourself or someone you love, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Professional gambling treatment methods can make the difference between living with constant uncertainty and enjoying financial stability. They can also teach you how to stop gambling and cope with urges when they occur.
You can find help for gambling addiction in a number of ways, including support groups and behavioural therapy. These approaches can be helpful because they address the underlying issues that contribute to gambling addiction. Behavioral therapy can help you recognise and challenge irrational beliefs, such as the idea that a near miss (such as two out of three cherries on a slot machine) signals an imminent win. It can also help you learn how to manage stress and develop healthy coping skills.
If you’re a family member of a gambler, it’s crucial to have boundaries around how much money they can spend and when they can gamble. You might even need to consider taking control of their finances. This can be difficult, but it’s necessary to prevent the gambler from putting your own family’s financial security at risk.
Many pathological gamblers are in debt as a result of their gambling. However, this debt may not be entirely attributable to their gambling behaviour. For example, some of the debt could be due to the costs associated with credit card borrowing or unavoidable life expenses. In addition, some of the debt may be attributable to bankruptcy proceedings or civil court actions.
Once you’ve stopped gambling, it’s important to find new hobbies and activities to occupy your time. It’s also a good idea to set short-term and long-term goals for yourself. These will help you stay on track with your quit plan and keep you motivated.
