Gambling involves risking something of value (money, property or even your life) on an event that is purely random. It happens in places like casinos, sports events, online and even at home.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when gambling. You should always consider how much money you’re willing to lose before placing your bets. You should also take into account any other financial responsibilities you have such as bills and your relationship with family and friends.
If you’re struggling with a gambling problem, you may notice that you’re missing payments or bill collectors are calling. You might also start to ask for money from friends and family or find other ways to get cash such as borrowing from lending centres.
People who gamble often experience feelings of shame and low self-worth when they’re struggling with their addiction. This is because they can feel like they have a lack of control over their behaviour and this can have a negative impact on all aspects of their lives including their relationships, work and health.
There are a few types of therapy that can help with gambling disorders. These include behavior therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is an approach that helps you identify unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors and then learn new, healthier ones. This type of therapy usually takes place with a mental health professional such as a psychologist or clinical social worker. These professionals can help you cope with the stress of your gambling addiction and find better ways to manage it.