What to Do When You Have a Problem With Gambling
Gambling is a fun activity that involves winning and losing money. It is a popular pastime in many countries and is a good way to spend time with friends and family. However, it can also have negative effects on your life and health.
It is important to keep gambling in moderation and to use strategies to reduce the risk of becoming addicted. This includes making sure you are not spending more than you can afford and that you have a backup plan in case of a lapse.
Getting help from an addiction specialist can make all the difference in overcoming an issue with gambling. They can teach you how to stay away from the game and give you new skills to manage your finances better.
They can also teach you about coping mechanisms and how to stop when things are getting too much. They can also help you get over the feeling of shame or guilt that you may feel as a result of your gambling habits.
When you have a problem with gambling, it is best to speak to someone immediately. The sooner you find out, the faster you can start treatment to recover from the issue and regain control of your finances.
Talking to your friends or loved ones about your problems with gambling is a good first step. They will be more likely to listen if you are honest and supportive rather than judgmental or aggressive.
Then you can find out more about support groups. These organizations are often run by people who have experienced similar issues. These support groups are free to join and can be helpful in identifying signs of a problem and discussing ways to overcome it.
You can also speak to the National Council on Problem Gambling and other trusted organisations that can help you find support and treatment. These organisations can be found online and in your local area.
They can provide you with information about the positive and negative impacts of gambling on society. They can also help you decide whether or not you need to seek professional advice.
In addition to the negative impact of gambling on your finances and health, it can have a harmful effect on your relationships with others. It can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, and may have a negative effect on work performance.
It can be hard to give up a gambling habit once you have started, but you don’t have to. The best thing to do is to make a plan to prevent relapse. This will help you maintain your change, but it is vital to remember that it will take time and effort to overcome the problem.
You can get tips to stop gambling from the Better Health Channel fact sheet ‘Gambling – financial issues’, and our healthy hobbies blog. It can also be useful to get advice from your GP or a local charity.