Help For Gambling Addictions
Gambling is any activity in which a person stakes something of value on a random event with the expectation of winning more. It’s easy to think of gambling as the casino games, horse races and lottery, but there are many other forms of gambling, too. From betting on sports to scratch cards, online poker and DIY investing, all of them involve putting money at risk for a potential return.
Problem gambling affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can damage relationships, interfere with work and study and lead to financial hardship. In some cases, it can even cause people to contemplate suicide. The good news is, help is available for anyone suffering from a gambling addiction.
The first step in getting help is to recognise that there is a problem. This can be difficult, particularly because it’s normal for gamblers to minimise their problems or deny that they have a problem at all. Other common symptoms include hiding evidence of their gambling, lying about their spending habits and attempting to make it look like they are winning.
There are a number of effective treatments available for people with gambling problems, including cognitive behavioural therapy and family therapy. If you’re worried about a friend or loved one, it’s worth researching these and encouraging them to get the help they need.
It’s also important to remember that there are a number of factors that can contribute to gambling problems, and that these may vary from person to person. For example, genetics and medical history can play a role in a person’s risk of developing a gambling addiction. The environment and level of education may also have an impact, as can social and cultural influences.
People gamble for a variety of reasons, and while these don’t excuse problem gambling behaviour, they can help us understand why someone might continue to gamble when it becomes harmful. They may be doing it for social or coping reasons, or because they enjoy thinking about what they might do with the money if they win. Pathological gamblers, on the other hand, are often fully in the grip of their addiction and don’t have any healthy motives at all.
If you’re struggling with a gambling problem, it can be helpful to seek support from others. Whether this means reaching out to friends and family, or joining a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step recovery program based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. It can also be helpful to talk to a professional and find out about local referral resources, such as gambling counselors or intensive treatment programs. It’s also important to set boundaries in managing finances and review bank and credit card statements regularly. It can be tempting to let a problem gambler use your credit card in the hope that they’ll pay you back, but this can backfire and actually make things worse. You should also avoid tipping casino dealers cash – it’s best to give them chips instead.