How to Cope With a Gambling Problem
Gambling is a form of risk-taking in which people wager money or something else of value on an uncertain outcome. It can be a fun activity when done in the spirit of friendly competition, or it can become an addiction causing serious harm to one’s health and relationships. Like any other addiction, it can be difficult to recognize and admit when gambling has gone too far. It is often called the “hidden addiction” because unlike drug or alcohol abuse, it does not produce any visible signs or symptoms.
Many factors contribute to gambling problems, including family, friends, and the environment in which the person lives. Some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviours and impulsivity, which can make them vulnerable to developing a problem with gambling. The brain’s reward system can also be overstimulated by gambling, which can result in changes to the way an individual processes rewards and risks.
People who suffer from an impulse control disorder can be particularly susceptible to developing a gambling problem. They have difficulty controlling their urges, and are unable to resist the lure of risk-taking activities, even when they are aware that there is a high likelihood that they will lose. These individuals often have trouble recognizing their problems and seek to hide or minimize them from others.
It can be very difficult for loved ones to cope with a gambling addiction in someone they care about. They may feel powerless and helpless, despite knowing that their relationship with the gambler is in jeopardy. For some, the addiction to gambling is a symptom of underlying emotional issues such as boredom, depression, loneliness, grieving, or unhappiness.
Several treatments are available for gambling disorders, which include self-help and peer support groups. There are also professional counselling services, such as family therapy and marriage and career counselling, which can help address the specific issues arising from the gambler’s addiction.
In addition, some individuals are able to overcome their gambling problems by changing their environment. For example, they might start spending more time with friends who do not gamble or take up hobbies that do not involve betting, such as playing sports or arts and crafts. They might also try to control their finances by removing credit cards from their possession or having their bank set up automatic payments for them, closing online betting accounts and keeping only a small amount of cash on hand.
People who struggle with a gambling disorder should see a GP or a psychiatrist as soon as possible to get treatment and advice. They can also find out about local referral resources, such as certified gambling counselors and intensive treatment programs in their area. It is important to remember that it is not only adults who can develop a gambling problem, children and teenagers are also at risk, especially when they spend a lot of time playing video games and mobile apps that require micro-transactions and payments. It is also recommended that they learn to relieve unpleasant feelings in healthier ways, such as exercising, spending time with non-gambling friends, or practicing relaxation techniques.