Gambling is when you risk something of value – whether that’s money, a prize or even your own life – to predict the outcome of an uncertain event. It can be done in lots of different ways – for example, by betting on football matches, playing scratchcards or placing bets with friends.
The act of gambling involves a conscious decision to take the risk and hope for reward. This can be a harmful behaviour, especially for people who have underlying mental health issues like anxiety or depression. People who gamble may also be at greater risk of developing a gambling disorder, which is recognised as a mental illness and requires treatment.
There are many causes of gambling, and it’s important to recognise the signs that you or a loved one may be developing a problem. The first step is to talk to a healthcare professional. They can help you understand the causes of your gambling and offer support to change your gambling habits. It’s also helpful to talk to a therapist if you have depression or another mood disorder that could be making your gambling worse.
Although there are no FDA-approved medications for gambling disorders, therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective in helping you overcome the urge to gamble. These sessions will help you change the beliefs that fuel your addiction and teach you new coping strategies.
CBT also addresses the underlying issues that are causing your gambling problems. For example, it can help you to understand that you are prone to gambling as a way of escaping from your problems. It can also help you to recognise the irrational thoughts that drive your behaviour, such as believing you are more likely to win than you actually are or thinking that certain rituals can bring you luck.
Changing your gambling habit can be difficult, especially if you have already lost money or strained relationships with family and friends. However, there are many resources available to help you, and it is possible to break the cycle of gambling addiction and rebuild your life. The biggest step is recognising that you have a problem and taking action. It’s worth remembering that many other people have successfully overcome their gambling problems, and there are many success stories online to inspire you. If you’re worried about someone you know, encourage them to seek help from a specialist. They can get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.