Gambling is when you risk something of value, usually money, on an activity that involves luck and chance. It can also involve materials with a value such as marbles or collectible game pieces (such as Pogs and Magic: The Gathering). People gamble for many reasons, including for the adrenaline rush of winning, socializing, escaping from worries or stress, or as a way to make money. However, for some people gambling can become problematic and lead to addiction. If you have problems with gambling, it’s important to seek help and treatment.
Learn about the causes and risks of problem gambling. The more you understand the factors that can trigger gambling problems, the better you can prevent and treat them.
Strengthen your support network. Having support from friends and family can be very helpful in overcoming gambling addiction. It can also be beneficial to join a support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous. These groups follow a 12-step recovery program that is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. In addition, you may want to consider psychodynamic therapy which focuses on unconscious processes and how they affect behavior.
Avoid chasing your losses. As soon as you start thinking you’re due for a big win or that you can recover your losses by gambling more, stop immediately. It’s also a good idea to set a time limit for how long you will play and to leave when you reach it, regardless of whether you are winning or losing.