Gambling is when you take a party in a game where you risk something. Gambling stimulates similar reward centers in the brain. Gambling is addictive, and continuing to gamble despite suffering serious consequences is problem gambling. Problem gambling can result in disordered gambling, which can harm the gambler.
Problem gambling is gambling that continues despite adverse effects. The common sights that someone has a problem gambling are pretty similar, for example, lying about gambling and time that has been spent on it, hiding bills or unpaid debts, borrowing, restlessness or irritability when not gambling.
Anyone who gambles can become addicted to problem gambling. When you are thinking to start gambling, you need to know the most important rules: gamble with money budgeted for that, limit time and money spent on gambling, do not borrow money to gamble, know that everyone loses over time, take a break when you are losing, do not use alcohol or drugs when gambling.
Deciding to stop gambling ultimately comes down to whether or not gambling is worth it. Even if it’s not worth it monetarily, most people who have problems with gambling say it’s not about the money. You can recognize the financial downside, but still enjoy the sense of escape.
Even if you know you are spending more money than you are getting back, you may justify continued gambling based on its ability to make all of the world’s problems go away temporarily. Using gambling to escape is one of the most common forms of gambling, especially among those who use electronic games such as slot machines.
Although many people in the early stages of problematic gambling may believe it makes them happier, this illusion is often shattered when their lives become unmanageable. Gambling offers a false promise of happiness, just like it offers the false illusion of control and false hope for a better future. Genuine happiness can be built, only after letting go of the illusion provided by gambling.
Consider the things you used to do before gambling took over. If these activities are no longer appropriate, consider trying new activities or learning a new skill.
When it comes to places that might be triggering, consider where you are when you feel the urge to gamble. Is this along a specific part of your drive? Is this during a particular part of your day? Many people find it helpful to take new routes home or include social support in specific aspects of their day when they regularly feel the strongest desire to gamble.
Professional help should be sought as soon as possible if your gambling problem is serious enough. Mental health and addiction specialists can make the difference between a financially unstable life and being free of financial stress. Professional therapy can help you learn how to stop gambling and improve the skills you already have. Only your reluctance keeps you from seeking help from a professional counselor or therapist. Even better, you can get help from a professional while still participating in a support network.