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Dealing With Gambling Problems

Dealing With Gambling Problems

Gambling involves risking money or other items of value on an outcome that is based on chance, such as in a casino game or betting with friends. It can be addictive and has negative consequences for people’s lives and health. It’s important to understand the risks of gambling and how to help yourself or a loved one if you think there may be an issue.

It’s easy to think that gambling is all about the potential for winning money, but this isn’t always the case. There are many reasons why people gamble – some like the adrenaline rush, others enjoy socialising with friends or taking their mind off worries and stress. Some people also feel a sense of achievement after beating the house and wining money. These feelings are a result of the brain’s reward system, so it can be difficult to stop the behaviour.

Gambling affects everyone – it doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, young or old, male or female, ethnicity or religion. Problem gambling can occur in small towns or big cities and can affect people of all ages, backgrounds and education levels.

A person who has a problem with gambling can experience emotional, financial and family difficulties. They might be avoiding work or other social activities in favour of gambling, hiding money from their family and lying to friends and colleagues about their spending habits. They might even be stealing or selling possessions to fund their addiction. It’s important to seek treatment if you or someone you know has a problem with gambling. There are many different treatments available, including counselling, support groups and self-help tips.

The most common way to get help for a gambling problem is to see a therapist. They can help you identify the underlying issues and develop a plan for recovery. They can teach you coping skills and techniques to deal with your problem, such as how to manage anxiety or depression. They can also refer you to inpatient or residential treatment if needed.

If you have a gambling problem, the best thing to do is reduce your access to money. This could mean closing credit card accounts, putting a lock on your bank account or giving a spouse or trusted friend power over your finances. It’s also important to remove temptations by staying away from gambling venues and limiting online betting. Lastly, make a list of your motivations for changing your behaviour and revisit it when you’re feeling tempted. You might find it helpful to write down the ways your life would improve if you didn’t have a gambling problem, such as less financial stress and better relationships with family and friends. If you’re struggling with debt, contact StepChange for free, confidential debt advice.