Getting Help For Gambling Problems

Gambling is a popular pastime and for many people it’s a fun way to socialise or escape worries and stress. However, if you find that you’re spending more money than you can afford to lose, putting your finances at risk or experiencing anxiety and depression then it may be time to seek help. The good news is that there are lots of ways to get help for a gambling problem – from treatment and support groups to self-help tips.

In this article we will look at what makes gambling addictive, how to recognise if you have a gambling problem and where to go for help.

Gambling is any activity where you stake something valuable (like money) on the outcome of an event that’s outside your control. You can bet on a football team to win a game, buy lottery tickets or even play online poker. All of these activities are considered gambling because there is a potential that you will win, and there’s an element of risk involved.

Research shows that about 2.5 million adults in the United States meet the criteria for a severe gambling disorder. However, a large number of other people are estimated to have mild or moderate gambling problems. This suggests that there are a lot of people who have a problem that they don’t even realise.

Getting help for a gambling problem is not always easy, especially if you have a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. It can also be difficult to admit that you have a problem if you’ve lost a lot of money or if your addiction is causing relationship difficulties. It’s important to get help as soon as you can, as it’s easier to overcome a problem when it is recognised.

Many factors can contribute to problematic gambling, including genetic predisposition, childhood trauma and a history of substance misuse. In addition, there is a link between gambling and feelings of depressed mood and suicidal thoughts, so it’s important to seek help if you experience these symptoms.

A growing role exists in primary care settings to evaluate patients’ gambling behaviors for signs of addiction and assess the associated risks. This is partly because of the high prevalence of pathological gambling among general medicine patients and the fact that some of these patients are at increased risk for suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety.

Getting help for a gambling problem is possible, but it takes strength and courage to accept that there is a problem. Getting professional help can be an effective way to break the habit and rebuild your life. To make an appointment with BetterHelp, please take our free assessment and we’ll match you with a qualified therapist within 48 hours.