Gambling can be a fun activity for some people, but for others it can cause problems. Problem gambling can harm your physical and mental health, relationships, performance at work or study, get you into trouble with the law and leave you in debt and possibly homeless.
When you gamble, you may be looking for a way to self-soothe unpleasant feelings, or just to unwind and relax. But there are healthier ways to do this.
The best way to cope with your own gambling is to understand why you are doing it, and then make some changes. You can do this by talking to a friend, family member or therapist who can help you make the right choices.
Getting help to stop your gambling can be the best decision you ever make! A support group, counselling or medication-assisted treatment can help you overcome your addiction.
It can also be a good idea to set some boundaries when it comes to managing money. That means you don’t get too far behind on bills or credit cards.
You can also get help if someone you know is having problems with gambling. This could include a therapist, a support group or a helpline.
Your family can also be affected by your gambling. Your family members and friends may have a harder time dealing with your addiction, which can make you feel isolated or ashamed.
The latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) now includes a category for pathological gambling, which is similar to alcohol and drug abuse disorders. This is based on research that shows that gambling disorder is similar to substance-related disorders in clinical expression, brain origin, comorbidity and treatment.
