Gambling is an activity that involves wagering money or other items of value on a random event with the intention of winning something else of value. It requires three elements: consideration, risk, and a prize (Gramlich 1990).
Benefits of gambling
Some benefits of gambling may include socializing, mental development, skill improvement, and financial gain. Others may be less obvious, such as stress relief and self-soothing.
Regardless of the benefits, however, it is important to understand that gambling can be an addiction. It can cause physical, psychological, and social harms that can have negative consequences on a person’s life.
How to identify a gambling problem
When someone has a gambling problem, they have a mental disorder that causes them to continue to gamble despite negative consequences. Professionals use criteria such as those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to diagnose problems with gambling.
People who have a gambling disorder are more likely to have depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders than people without these problems. It is therefore important to seek help for underlying mood disorders when someone has a gambling problem.
How to stop gambling
In order to prevent gambling, it is essential to develop a plan and adhere to it. This plan should include a goal and action steps to achieve it. It also needs to include a support system, such as a sponsor who has experience of being free from an addiction to gambling.
A support network is essential for any addiction, but it is especially important when it comes to gambling. Many support groups offer 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous, that use peer support to help you overcome your gambling habits.
If you are struggling to stop gambling, seek help from a trained counselor. They can assist you in identifying the root cause of your gambling problems and recommend treatment options that will work best for you.
Make a budget to keep track of your gambling expenses and set a limit on how much you can spend on gambling. Avoid using credit cards to gamble and only use cash if you have a fixed amount of money that is comfortable for you to lose.
Take a break from gambling and find another activity to do instead. Doing so will help you to relieve unpleasant feelings such as boredom or loneliness. It will also give you a chance to practice relaxation techniques, exercise, or take up a new hobby.
Relaxation and comfort
Getting the right amounts of relaxation and comfort can help to protect your mental health. In addition, it will help you to reduce the harmful effects of gambling on your mind.
Do not chase your losses
If you have a gambling problem, it is important to never attempt to recoup your lost money. This is a common occurrence among problem gamblers and can be very dangerous, leading to serious financial consequences.
Learn to cope with uncomfortable emotions
It is normal to have feelings of sadness or loneliness from time to time. These feelings can be difficult to deal with and may be triggered by things such as a stressful day at work or an argument with your spouse. But it is a good idea to find healthier ways of relieving these feelings, such as exercising or spending time with friends who do not gamble.
