A flutter of the dice, the spin of a slot machine reel or a pull on the handle of a hand of blackjack can be very exciting. But when gambling becomes an obsession, it can lead to significant problems for the gambler and their loved ones. Compulsive gambling can ruin careers, families and friendships, destroy finances and end in severe mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. The good news is, there are steps people can take to break their addiction to gambling.
Learn what triggers your behavior. Many compulsive gamblers report that they are triggered by specific situations or events. For example, they may feel the urge to gamble after a stressful day at work, after an argument with their partner or when they are feeling lonely. It is important to identify and avoid these triggers.
Consider professional treatment options. Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, can help people change the way they think about gambling and cope with negative emotions and life stressors. These therapies can also teach people healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings such as boredom or loneliness, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble and practicing mindfulness.
Educate yourself on responsible gambling. Always bet with money you can afford to lose, and never play with funds that are needed for daily living expenses or to pay bills. It is also a good idea to remove gambling apps from your phone and devices, and to stay away from casinos or online gaming sites. Lastly, it is helpful to balance recreational gambling with other hobbies and interests.
Gambling is not a profitable way to make money, and it is not designed to save down-on-their-luck gamblers. Remember that all gambling comes with risk, and the odds are always against you. If you are having trouble controlling your gambling, see a therapist for guidance and support. If you are unsure of where to begin, try our free helpline or use our online tool to find local referral resources for treatment programs for gambling disorder. You can also reach out to a peer support group, like Gamblers Anonymous, for nonjudgmental support from other people who have experienced gambling addiction. You can even find support through a phone app, Gamtalk, that offers moderated group support chats 24/7. You can also use this comprehensive resource to filter providers by specialties, insurance coverage and other factors that matter to you.
