How to Overcome Gambling Problems
Gambling is the act of staking something of value, like money or other material goods, on an uncertain event with an awareness of the risk and in the hope of gain. It varies from the betting of small sums on lottery tickets by people who have little, to the sophisticated casino gambling enjoyed by the wealthy. The main reason for a person’s preference for particular gambles may be based on their perceived ability to win, although there are many other factors involved in deciding which bet to make.
Research shows that about 1% of adults meet the criteria for pathological gambling disorder, while 4-6 million adults have mild to moderate gambling problems. In the latter group, there are also often underlying mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, or substance use issues, which can contribute to gambling problems and make it harder to quit.
The first step in overcoming gambling problems is admitting that you have a problem. While this is hard, it can be very empowering and help you work towards recovery. Seek support from friends and family, or consider joining a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous (GA), which is modelled on Alcoholics Anonymous. Alternatively, BetterHelp is an online service that matches you with accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships and more. You can take a free assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Lastly, try to fill the void that gambling is creating in your life with healthier activities, such as exercising, spending time with non-gambling friends, or trying out new hobbies.
