Recognising and Overcoming Gambling Addiction
Gambling is an activity in which people place bets on events with uncertain outcomes, such as the roll of a dice or the outcome of a sports event. It is an enjoyable social activity for many and can provide a form of entertainment. However, it can also lead to problem gambling if not controlled. People who struggle with compulsive gambling have serious emotional, social and financial impacts on themselves, their families and other people. The most important step towards overcoming gambling addiction is recognising that you have an issue. You can then make a plan to change your behaviour, and seek help if necessary.
One of the reasons that gambling can become addictive is that it provides a high-reward, low risk experience. The adrenalin rush that occurs when placing a bet can be similar to the sensation of winning a large sum of money, and this can cause some individuals to feel they cannot live without gambling. Other factors may include genetic predisposition, and differences in the way that people process reward information and impulse control. Some people have an underactive brain reward system and are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviours, while others may be prone to impulsivity. In addition, some cultures value gambling as a common pastime, making it hard for people to recognize when it becomes a problem.
For those who do recognise that they have a problem, there are a variety of strategies to help them stop. These can include avoiding triggers and learning healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings. It can be helpful to identify the negative emotions and thoughts that prompt gambling and to challenge them. In addition, it can be helpful to use a behavioural plan and to take steps to reduce financial risks, such as keeping credit cards at home and not carrying large amounts of cash. Using debt consolidation services and seeking financial counselling can also help individuals regain control of their finances.
It is important to remember that even though it might be uncomfortable, allowing yourself to feel the urge for a period of time and then distracting yourself can help you resist it. It is often helpful to think of urges like waves at the beach – when you feel them, ride them out and then do something else.
The most important thing is to talk about it with someone who won’t judge you – this could be a friend, family member or professional counsellor. Try not to lecture them or blame them; they probably know that their gambling is causing problems and are working on changing it. Finally, it can be helpful to spend time with non-gambling friends, to find alternative recreational and social activities, and to develop a healthy self-esteem. This can help replace the false sense of reward that gambling can offer. Ultimately, changing behaviours is a difficult process, but it is possible for everyone. It just takes patience and commitment. The more you practice, the easier it will get.
