How to Avoid Gambling Disorders
Gambling is the staking of something of value with the conscious risk of losing it on an uncertain event. This can include betting on the outcome of a game or contest, the result of an accident, or an unforeseeable event that can be changed by luck or chance. Gambling also includes activities like playing games of skill, such as poker or blackjack, as well as the use of collectible objects with a financial value such as coins and trading cards.
While most people who gamble enjoy it and do not have a problem, a small group of individuals develop a gambling disorder that has substantial and negative personal, family, social, and economic consequences. People are most at risk for developing a gambling disorder if they have a history of depression or other mood disorders that can trigger and make worse compulsive behaviors, such as gambling. It is also more common for men than women to have a gambling disorder, and people who begin gambling as adolescents or young adults are more likely to develop a problem than those who start as adults.
Gambling can take many forms, from playing card or board games with friends in a private setting to making bets on a football game or horse race with coworkers. The most common form of gambling, however, involves wagering money or other valuables on an uncertain event with the intent to win a prize. This may be done with a physical object such as a coin or a piece of paper, or it may involve a virtual or electronic object such as a computer game, lottery, or slot machine.
Although casinos can be fun and exciting, they are often a source of stress. To help reduce your gambling problems, you can try some of the following tips:
Practice good money management by only spending money that is disposable and not needed to pay bills or rent. Also, never play with credit cards or allow yourself to get into debt to gamble. Instead, focus on other forms of entertainment, such as going to the movies or taking a walk in nature.
Learn to recognize your gambling triggers and avoid them. For example, if you find yourself thinking about the next trip to the casino, take an alternate route to work or change the channel if watching sports makes you want to bet. You can also set a time limit for how long you will play, and leave the cards at home or have someone else handle them for you.
Seek support if you have a gambling problem, and consider joining a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous. These groups are based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, and they can offer helpful guidance and encouragement to those struggling with an addiction to gambling. You can also seek treatment from a professional, whose services will be tailored to your unique situation. Finally, remember that the best way to beat a gambling habit is to stop it before it starts.
