How to Cope With a Gambling Addiction

How to Cope With a Gambling Addiction

A gambling addiction is a condition in which a person has an irresistible urge to engage in activities such as betting, sports betting, lottery, and many other forms of gambling. This condition can affect a person’s life in negative ways, and it is important to seek help for gambling problems. It is free and confidential, and counselling is available on a round the clock basis. There are also various types of counselling available, which can help a person cope with the addiction.

While gambling can be a novel activity and an occasional social activity, it can become an obsession that can negatively affect relationships, finances, and performance. However, once an individual becomes addicted to gambling, it can become a problem. While initially, it is important to consider gambling as a fun and enjoyable past time, it can gradually become an addiction and lead to increased stress and financial loss. It is therefore important to know why people gamble and learn how to limit their own behaviour. There are various organisations that provide counseling and support to those with gambling issues.

Problem gamblers often consider their gambling as a second source of income and may even borrow money from friends and family, or use credit cards to fund their addiction. The APA has defined gambling as a mental disorder, despite the fact that it is not a serious mental illness. Moreover, it is a problem that has serious consequences. It has been estimated that around $335 billion was spent on legal gambling activities in 2009. It is important to recognize that gambling can cause negative consequences for a person’s life and relationships.