Getting Help For Gambling Addiction

Gambling is an activity that involves risking something of value in order to gain something of greater value, either through skill or luck. It is considered to be an activity that can lead to addiction, as well as other health problems. The good news is that there are ways to manage gambling addiction, and the risk of developing it can be reduced significantly with some simple strategies. The key to avoiding gambling addiction is to recognize the signs and symptoms of it, and make sure that you are not using it to escape from other problems in your life.

Getting help for Gambling Addiction

Many people who develop gambling addiction have difficulty admitting that they have a problem. This is particularly true if they have lost large amounts of money or have strained their relationships because of gambling. Despite this, it is possible to recover from a gambling problem. BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you with licensed, accredited therapists who can help you work through depression, anxiety, relationships and other issues. You can get started with a free assessment and be matched with a therapist within 48 hours.

There are a number of factors that contribute to someone developing a gambling disorder, including a desire for status and feelings of euphoria or excitement. Gambling can also be used as a way to avoid dealing with issues such as boredom, stress, and depression. Some individuals are at increased risk for developing a gambling disorder due to family history, childhood trauma and a lack of social support. In addition, certain groups are at higher risk for gambling addiction, including adolescents, veterans, aging adults and Latino and Asian communities.

A major problem with gambling is the false sense of security that it provides. People believe that they are in control of their gambles, when the reality is that the house always wins. This is often exacerbated by the fact that the media portrays gambling as glamorous, fun, and exciting, and many people believe that it is a low risk, high reward entertainment choice.

Unlike some other forms of recreation, gambling does not require ingesting chemicals, but it still triggers the same dopamine response that is produced by recreational drugs. Moreover, it can be addictive in much the same way as drug use. It can be used to provide a temporary relief from life’s stresses, but it can cause long term harms and lead to financial ruin, loss of personal possessions, and strained or broken relationships.

Individuals who struggle with gambling should seek out support from friends and family, and consider joining a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous. They should also learn to cope with their urges through other activities such as exercising, taking up a new hobby, or spending time with their loved ones. They should also set limits on how much they spend and monitor their finances, and review their bank and credit card statements. If these measures are not enough to stop gambling, it may be a good idea to consult with a specialist who can help them overcome their problem.