Whether it’s sports betting, casino games, lottery tickets or the outcome of a horse race, gambling is an activity that involves risk and uncertainty. Some people find gambling enjoyable while others can be negatively affected by it. It can damage personal relationships, performance at work or school and even lead to serious debt or homelessness. There are a variety of treatments available for those who have developed a problem with gambling.
The first step is to recognise that there’s a problem. Gambling addiction is a recognised mental health condition and there are many organisations that provide support, advice and counselling. If you think someone you know may have a problem, seek help immediately.
There are also a number of practical steps you can take to reduce your gambling. Start by putting limits in place, such as not gambling on credit or using your bank cards and keeping only a set amount of cash with you. This way, you’ll be able to stop gambling when the limit is reached. It’s also important to have a balanced lifestyle, so you should try to do other activities and make time for friends and family.
Another tip is to never drink and gamble. The alcohol can cause you to lose track of time and you could end up spending more money than you intended to. It’s also important to not be superstitious about winning and losing. The luck factor is just as important in online casinos as it is in real life. Random number generators are used to determine the results of each game, so don’t get sucked into thinking you have any influence over the outcome.
If you’re struggling with a gambling problem, it’s important to talk about it with family and friends. Don’t try to solve it alone, as this can make the situation worse. You can find help and support from peer groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step model of recovery from addiction to alcohol. The organisation has local branches and can match you up with a sponsor who is a former gambler with experience of staying free from gambling addiction.
It can be very difficult to cope with a loved one’s gambling addiction. You might feel angry, depressed or guilty and try to rationalise their requests for “just this one last time”. Seek professional help, such as family therapy, marriage counselling and credit counseling. These can help you understand the underlying issues, repair your relationship and lay the foundation for addressing financial problems. You can also try to find healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings and alleviate boredom, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble and taking up new hobbies.