Many people have a gambling problem that can have a serious effect on their lives. They may gamble for money, entertainment or as a way to escape from stress but it can be very difficult to stop and can lead to financial, social, and emotional problems. If you think you have a gambling problem, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. There are many ways you can get help, including treatment, support groups and self-help tips.
Gambling can be fun and exciting but it can also cause problems, especially if you lose control and find yourself spending more than you can afford to win. It can also affect your relationships with friends and family if you lie and break promises to spend time gambling, or if you start missing events to gamble. It can also be harmful to your mental health as it can lead to depression, anxiety and other disorders.
People who have a mental health problem are more likely to develop a gambling addiction as it can be used as a way to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as boredom or loneliness. This can make the person reliant on gambling as a coping mechanism and can result in more frequent or severe episodes of gambling problems.
There are a number of treatments for gambling addiction, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. CBT helps you learn to change harmful thought patterns, such as feeling that you are ‘due to win’ after a run of losses, and motivational interviewing involves working with a therapist to enhance your motivation for change.