How to Overcome a Gambling Addiction
While some gamble for fun, and others do so for money, for many people the urge to gamble can quickly turn into an addiction. Gambling can affect anyone, and it can lead to financial ruin and strained relationships. It can also be a cause of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. It’s important to seek treatment if you or someone you know has a problem with gambling. Fortunately, there are many options for help.
A common misconception is that only professional gamblers are addicted to gambling. However, even if you never step foot in a casino, you could be suffering from a gambling addiction. This is because there are many types of gambling, and even everyday activities can become a form of gambling. For example, buying lottery tickets, playing online poker, or picking players for your fantasy sports team are all forms of gambling. The odds of winning these games are incredibly low, so the likelihood of losing is much higher than the chance of winning.
The most important step in overcoming gambling is admitting that you have a problem. Often, people don’t recognize that they have a problem until it has cost them a lot of money or strained their relationships. It’s then that they decide to get help, and there are many resources available for those struggling with a gambling problem.
In addition to support groups like Gamblers Anonymous, there are many inpatient and residential treatment programs for those with severe gambling addictions. These programs provide round-the-clock supervision and care and can be helpful for those who cannot quit gambling on their own. There are also many different types of counseling, such as marriage and family therapy, career counseling, and financial management counseling, which can address the issues caused by gambling addiction and help you rebuild your life.
For some people, the euphoria that comes with gambling is enough to make it worth the risk. However, for other people, the euphoria is only temporary and doesn’t last long enough to justify the loss of money or the stress of gambling. In fact, the euphoria from gambling can be easily replaced by other activities, such as socializing with friends or exercising.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, it is important to note that there are certain warning signs of gambling problems. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the official book on mental illnesses, lists 10 warning signs of compulsive gambling. These include gambling in secret, lying about gambling, and wasting time and money on gambling. These symptoms can also indicate underlying mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. These conditions should be addressed in conjunction with a gambling problem. BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you with a licensed, accredited therapist who can help you overcome your gambling addiction and work through any underlying problems that may be contributing to it. You can take a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.