Gambling is any activity in which you risk something of value for the hope of winning a prize. This could include a ticket to the lottery, a scratch-off game, or a casino visit. It can even involve online gambling.
Although many people enjoy gambling, it can cause problems for others. It can lead to addiction and ruin lives. It can also negatively affect the relationships of those affected by it, as well as work and school performance. It can also put a person in financial trouble and even lead to homelessness. The good news is that it is possible to overcome a gambling problem and restore a healthy lifestyle.
Some of the most effective ways to treat a gambling problem include therapy and self-control strategies. Behavioral therapy teaches the skills needed to control one’s gambling habits, and can help address the underlying causes of the problem. Self-control strategies can be used on their own or in conjunction with a therapist’s guidance to help reduce a gambling addiction. These strategies include:
A key step to recovering from a gambling problem is admitting that there is a problem. This can be a difficult step, especially for those who have lost money and strained or broken relationships as a result of their gambling addiction. But it is important to remember that there are other people who have overcome this type of addiction and rebuilt their lives.
There are a number of different treatment options for people who have a gambling problem, including individual and group counseling, residential treatment programs, and self-help groups such as Gamblers Anonymous. Some of these programs offer online support as well as in-person meetings.
The most important thing is to get help as soon as possible. The sooner a person gets help for a gambling problem, the more likely it is that they will recover and have a successful recovery. There is no time like the present to seek help.
A person with a gambling problem may exhibit some of the following symptoms: a preoccupation with gambling; a desire to increase wager sizes to sustain excitement levels; an inability to stop gambling; a need to hide gambling activity; attempts to regain losses by continued gambling; and jeopardizing work or school performance to finance gambling (APA, 1994).
If you think that you have a gambling problem, please contact Gambler’s Help for advice and support. You can call them on 1800 858 858 or Gambler’s Help Youthline on 1800 262 376 (from within Australia only). The service is free and confidential. You can also visit their website for further information. You can also contact your local community health services to see what supports are available in your area. For those who cannot afford the cost of a private therapist, a charity-funded telehealth service is available. You can be matched with a professional, licensed, and vetted therapist in less than 48 hours. This can be a great option for those who are struggling to cope with a gambling addiction and do not have access to private therapy.
