Recovering From Gambling Disorders

Gambling is an activity where people risk something of value (money, property or other assets) on the outcome of a game of chance. It may be conducted at a casino, race track, card room or even online. It is common for people to gamble for entertainment, but a small percentage of people develop a gambling disorder that affects their personal and professional lives. Gambling disorders are characterized by recurrent, severe and persistent problems with gambling that cause distress or impairment.

Those who suffer from gambling addiction may also experience other mood disorders such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse. These conditions can either trigger gambling problems or make them worse. Seeking help for these underlying mood disorders is important, as they can be the root cause of gambling disorders. Treating the underlying mood disorders can restore normal brain chemistry, which in turn can reduce or eliminate a person’s desire to gamble.

Research suggests that gambling can be an addictive activity because it is a way to escape unpleasant emotions. It can also provide feelings of thrill, excitement and achievement. It can also increase a person’s self-esteem and sense of belonging. It can be difficult to tell if a person is gambling excessively, as they may hide their behaviour or lie about how much money they are spending.

For some, gambling becomes a way of life, and they cannot stop playing, even when their debts start to mount up. This is a particularly dangerous type of addiction as it can lead to financial disaster for the individual and their family.

It is possible to recover from gambling addiction, although it will take time and dedication. It is also essential to seek treatment before the problem becomes severe. There are many different services available for those who have a gambling addiction, including inpatient or residential facilities, counselling and support groups.

One of the biggest challenges for those with a gambling problem is dealing with feelings of shame and guilt. These feelings can be triggered by the fact that a person is losing money and may also lead to thoughts of suicide. It is crucial to seek help immediately if a person feels suicidal, as this can be life-saving.

A person can improve their chances of recovering from a gambling addiction by strengthening their support network, finding other ways to get pleasure and reducing the amount of money they spend on gambling. A good way to do this is by joining a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. In addition, a person can try to find alternative sources of pleasure, such as taking up a new hobby or volunteering for a charity. Lastly, they should try to find a way to manage their finances by getting rid of credit cards, having someone else in charge of their money and closing down online betting accounts. They should also try to keep only a small amount of cash with them at all times.