If you or someone you know is suffering from a gambling problem, you should reach out for support. Getting help from friends, family, and colleagues can help you overcome your addiction. Other helpful activities include joining a sports team, reading a book, volunteering, or doing something for the community. You can also join a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous. Modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, this program has a 12-step recovery plan. It includes finding a sponsor who is a former gambler. Your sponsor can help you get through the program and provide you with advice.
A person with a gambling problem can also benefit from a variety of counselling services. These services are confidential, free, and available all hours of the day. Counselors can help you sort through the issues that may be causing your gambling problems and work-related problems. They can also help you overcome emotional problems, such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
The first step in seeking help for a gambling addiction is to acknowledge your problem. Even though it can be scary to admit that you have a problem, there are plenty of people who have overcome it. There are even inpatient rehab programs designed specifically for people with a gambling problem.
