Gambling involves wagering money or material possessions on an event with an uncertain outcome. It can be based on the roll of dice, spin of a roulette wheel or outcome of a horse race. While gambling is a popular pastime, it also has serious consequences when an individual becomes addicted. It can affect family and personal relationships, career performance and financial stability. Fortunately, help is available.
The first step in breaking a gambling addiction is admitting that you have a problem. While this can be difficult, many people who suffer from gambling disorder have successfully overcome the disease and rebuilt their lives. You can seek help by talking to a mental health professional or attending support groups like Gamblers Anonymous. In addition, you can try to handle stress in healthy ways and address any coexisting mental health conditions that may be contributing to your gambling habits.
If you think someone you know has a gambling problem, it’s important to speak up sooner rather than later. Many people who have a gambling addiction are reluctant to admit they have a problem, so they may hide their behavior or lie about how much time and money they’re spending on gambling. They may even lie to friends and family members about their activities.
It is also important to realize that the best treatment for gambling disorders involves psychotherapy, which is a type of talk therapy that can help people identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. There are no FDA-approved medications for gambling disorder, but there are several types of psychotherapy that can be effective in helping people break their gambling addictions.