Many people gamble for fun or to socialise, but for some it becomes an addictive activity causing financial problems. If you’re worried about gambling harm, there are ways to get help and support, including treatment, self-help tips and peer support.
Gambling is defined as placing a bet on something of value, such as money or possessions, with the expectation of winning a prize. It can be done in a variety of ways, from betting on sports events to buying lottery tickets or scratch-offs. It’s important to remember that gambling is always a risky activity, and while you might win some money, you’re likely to lose as well. People who have a gambling disorder are often at higher risk of other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
Most people have placed some sort of bet in their lifetime, and most do so without a problem. However, there is a subset of the population that develops a gambling disorder, which can cause serious financial, personal and family problems. A person is considered to have a gambling problem when they engage in risky behaviours such as spending more than they can afford, chasing losses and borrowing money to finance their gambling.
Getting help for a gambling problem is essential to break the cycle of addiction. Counselling can provide the tools to change harmful thoughts and emotions that lead to gambling. Therapists can also help to repair relationships and finances that have been damaged by gambling. Family therapy and marriage, career and credit counselling are particularly helpful in addressing the underlying issues that fuel addiction.
Self-help tips for dealing with gambling include avoiding triggers, setting spending limits and sticking to them. Some of the most common triggers for people with a gambling problem are alcohol, being around other gamblers and stressful situations. You can also try to challenge unhealthy thought patterns like the illusion of control, irrational beliefs and the gambler’s fallacy.
It’s also important to only ever gamble with disposable income and never use money that you need for bills or rent. You should also keep your gambling within a reasonable time frame and only spend a small percentage of your disposable income on gambling each month.
It’s also important to replace gambling with other activities that are stimulating, like exercise, reading and art. It’s also a good idea to surround yourself with positive people who support your recovery and avoid those that encourage gambling behaviours. You can also join a support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is a 12-step program based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.
