×

Help For Gambling Addiction

Help For Gambling Addiction

Gambling is an activity wherein something of value, such as money, is put at risk for the possibility of winning. While many people enjoy gambling for its socialising or escape from worries and stress, for some it can be a serious problem. If you’re finding yourself betting more than you can afford to lose, borrowing money or feeling stressed and anxious about your gambling, it may be time to seek help.

Gambling has been a popular pastime in Western culture for centuries. Its popularity has increased in recent years as a result of legalisation, deregulation and technological innovations such as online gambling and sports betting. These have been accompanied by advertising and a proliferation of products, from lottery tickets to scratch cards, casino games and television shows that promote gambling. As a result, it’s now possible for people to gamble at all times and in a variety of ways.

For some people, gambling can become an obsession that leads to severe problems and even mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Those suffering from gambling addiction can find that it interferes with daily life, impacting relationships, employment and other interests. It can also have devastating financial consequences and be a source of family stress. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to those struggling with gambling addiction. These include therapy, support groups and self-help tips.

While gambling can be a fun and exciting way to spend some leisure time, it’s important to remember that you’re not going to win every time. Whether you’re at the casino or on your laptop, never bet more than you can afford to lose and avoid tempting situations where you could be tempted.

It’s also essential to recognise what triggers your gambling habits and develop a plan for avoiding them. This might include writing down your reasons for making a change and revisiting them when you’re feeling tempted. It’s also a good idea to talk about your plan with others who are helping you and try to establish some ground rules.

If you’re helping a loved one who is struggling with gambling, it can be tough to know how to respond. You can encourage them to find other ways to socialise or relax, but you should also consider taking control of their finances and removing their gambling apps from their devices so they don’t have access to them. You can also try a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is a 12-step program based on Alcoholics Anonymous and can provide invaluable guidance. You can also try reducing the digital temptation by blocking gambling sites on your computer and removing autofill information from your browser so that you can’t make impulsive decisions.