How to Help Someone With a Gambling Addiction
Gambling involves risking money or material things in the hope of winning something else of value. People do this for a variety of reasons, from excitement and the thrill of potentially winning to helping them escape boredom or stress. For some, gambling becomes an addiction that negatively affects their health and well-being as well as their personal relationships and work life. If you’re concerned about a friend or family member’s gambling habits, there are ways to help.
While some people can easily walk away after playing a few rounds of poker or popping a few coins in a slot machine, others struggle to do so. Often, these individuals have developed a gambling problem that can lead to serious financial consequences and even legal action. The good news is that there are effective treatments for gambling addiction.
Many of these treatments involve cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps people to resist unwanted thoughts and behaviors. For example, a person struggling with gambling may learn to confront irrational beliefs such as the belief that a series of losses means that they are due for a big win. They might also learn to control their impulses by learning techniques like self-soothing or using healthy coping strategies.
Despite being a fun pastime for most, some people find it difficult to stop gambling and become addicted. This can have a negative impact on their mental and physical health, relationships with friends and family, performance at work or university, and even their appearance. It can also cause debt problems, bankruptcy and homelessness and harm their family’s wellbeing.
The most common signs of a gambling problem include secretive behavior, lying to family and colleagues, chasing losses, and spending money they don’t have. Some gamblers also use alcohol or drugs to suppress feelings of anxiety or depression and experience a lack of motivation to pursue other activities.
When someone has a gambling addiction, it’s important to recognize the problem and get help right away. A professional therapist will be able to diagnose the issue and help them develop a treatment plan. There are also plenty of support groups available for people who are dealing with a gambling problem, and they can provide valuable advice on how to cope.
In addition to receiving counseling, it’s a good idea to set a budget for gambling and stick to it. This will help you to avoid overspending and ensure that you don’t spend more than you can afford to lose. You should also make sure to tip your dealers regularly, especially if you’re gambling in a casino. It’s also a good idea to be aware that casinos are free of clocks and windows, making it easy for you to lose track of time and end up gambling for longer than you intend. To avoid this, make sure you have an alarm on your phone to remind you to stop. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can still set a timer on your computer to alert you.