Studies have suggested that people with a tendency to one addiction may be more at risk of developing another. Genetic and neurological factors may play a role. Some people who are affected by gambling may also have a problem with alcohol or drugs, possibly due to a predisposition for addiction. The use of some medications has been linked to a higher risk of compulsive gambling. Secondary addictions can also occur in an effort to reduce the negative feelings created by the gambling addiction.
However, some people who gamble never experience any other addiction. For someone with a gambling addiction, the feeling of gambling is equivalent to taking a drug or having a drink. As the person becomes used to this feeling, they keep repeating the behavior, attempting to achieve that same effect.
In other addictions, alcohol, for instance, the person starts developing a tolerance. A vicious circle develops, and an increased craving for the activity.
At the same time, the ability to resist drops. As the craving grows in intensity and frequency, the ability to control the urge to gamble is weakened. Neither the frequency of gambling nor the amount lost will determine whether gambling is a problem for an individual.
Some people engage in periodic gambling binges rather than regularly, but the emotional and financial consequences will be the same. Casinos and lotteries provide the opportunity to gamble. A gambling addiction occurs when a person can no longer control the compulsive behavior. Any type of gambling — whether racing, bingo, card games, dice games, lottery, slots, and sports betting — can become problematic.
However, some types of gambling have particular characteristics that may intensify the problem and the consequences. Reports indicate that a significant risk factor may be a fast speed of play. Types of games where there is a short time between placing a bet and seeing the results present a higher risk for players.
This happens with slot machines, for instance. Gambling is widespread. Increased accessibility, for example, through online gambling, calls for greater awareness and appropriate legislation. Anyone who provides gambling services has a responsibility to develop policies and programs to address underage and gambling addictions. If a person suspects they might have a gambling problem, there are a variety of self-tests available on the internet.
Those tests will not give a diagnosis and do not replace a face-to-face evaluation with a trained clinical professional, but they can help people decide whether to seek formal evaluation of their gambling behavior. The biggest step to overcoming a gambling addiction is realizing that you have a problem. It takes tremendous strength and courage to own up to this, especially if you have lost a lot of money and strained or broken relationships along the way.
Many others have been in your shoes and have been able to break the habit and rebuild their lives. You can, too. Learn to relieve unpleasant feelings in healthier ways. Or after a stressful day at work or following an argument with your spouse? Gambling may be a way to self-soothe unpleasant emotions, unwind, or socialize. Strengthen your support network. If your support network is limited, there are ways to make new friends without relying on visiting casinos or gambling online.
Try reaching out to colleagues at work, joining a sports team or book club, enrolling in an education class, or volunteering for a good cause. Join a peer support group. Gamblers Anonymous, for example, is a step recovery program patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. A key part of the program is finding a sponsor, a former gambler who has experience remaining free from addiction and can provide you invaluable guidance and support. Seek help for underlying mood disorders.
Depression , stress , substance abuse , or anxiety can both trigger gambling problems and be made worse by compulsive gambling. The Internet has made gambling far more accessible and, therefore, harder for recovering addicts to avoid relapse. Online casinos and bookmakers are open all day, every day for anyone with a smartphone or access to a computer.
One way to stop gambling is to remove the elements necessary for gambling to occur in your life and replace them with healthier choices. The four elements needed for gambling to continue are:. A decision: For gambling to happen, you need to make the decision to gamble. If you have an urge: stop what you are doing and call someone, think about the consequences to your actions, tell yourself to stop thinking about gambling, and find something else to do immediately.
Money: Gambling cannot occur without money. Get rid of your credit cards, let someone else be in charge of your money, have the bank make automatic payments for you, close online betting accounts, and keep only a limited amount of cash on you. Schedule enjoyable recreational time for yourself that has nothing to do with gambling. A game: Without a game or activity to bet on there is no opportunity to gamble.
Tell gambling establishments you frequent that you have a gambling problem and ask them to restrict you from entering. Remove gambling apps and block gambling sites on your smartphone and computer. Maintaining recovery from gambling addiction depends a lot on finding alternative behaviors you can substitute for gambling.
Some examples include:. Feeling the urge to gamble is normal, but as you build healthier choices and a strong support network, resisting cravings will become easier.
When a gambling craving strikes:. Avoid isolation. Call a trusted family member, meet a friend for coffee, or go to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting. Postpone gambling. As you wait, the urge to gamble may pass or become weak enough to resist. Visualize what will happen if you give in to the urge to gamble.
Distract yourself with another activity , such as going to the gym, watching a movie, or practicing a relaxation exercise for gambling cravings. Overcoming a gambling addiction is a tough process.
You may slip from time to time; the important thing is to learn from your mistakes and continue working towards recovery. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional about different treatment options, including:.
Inpatient or residential treatment and rehab programs. These are aimed at those with severe gambling addiction who are unable to avoid gambling without round-the-clock support. Treatment for underlying conditions contributing to your compulsive gambling, including substance abuse or mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, OCD, or ADHD. This could include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Problem gambling can sometimes be a symptom of bipolar disorder , so your doctor or therapist may need to rule this out before making a diagnosis.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy. CBT for gambling addiction focuses on changing unhealthy gambling behaviors and thoughts, such as rationalizations and false beliefs. It can also teach you how to fight gambling urges and solve financial, work, and relationship problems caused by problem gambling. How are Families Affected? What Is Counselling? How Can Counselling Help? Self-Help for Family and Friends Does someone you care about gamble too much? With these interactive excercises, learn why they gamble and what you can do to help.
Gambling Quiz Answering these nine questions will help you understand if gambling is having a negative impact on your life. Self-Help for Those who Gamble Do you gamble? These interactive tools will help you explore, cut down or stop gambling.
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