How to Overcome a Gambling Addiction
Problem gambling can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. While these feelings are understandable, you should not give in to the urge to gamble. If you find that you have an insatiable craving to gamble, you should stop immediately. You must make a decision to stop gambling. In order to quit gambling, you must decide how much you can afford to lose. If you are struggling to pay your bills, cut off credit cards or transfer them to someone else. If possible, close your online betting accounts. Only keep small amounts of cash with you at all times.
Pathological gamblers and drug addicts share similar genetic predispositions to reward seeking and impulsivity. While substance addicts need stronger hits of drugs to get high, compulsive gamblers must take ever-bigger risks in order to satisfy their need for thrills. Both addictions are characterized by symptoms of withdrawal when deprived of chemicals or thrills. Molecular studies suggest that addictions to gambling and drugs are related, and they alter the brain circuitry responsible for impulse control.
Counseling can help individuals understand and face the problems associated with gambling. While there is no FDA-approved medication for gambling addiction, medications can be prescribed to treat co-occurring disorders. Families and friends can offer support and encouragement to help a loved one overcome their addiction. However, only the individual themselves can determine whether to stop gambling for good. It is not easy to overcome a gambling addiction, but it is possible to get help for it.
Gambling has a negative impact on people’s finances and emotional well-being. A problem becomes a gambling addiction when the individual cannot control themselves. If you are unable to stop gambling, your entire life may suffer. If you feel that you cannot stop, you can seek therapy. In behavioral therapy, a person can learn to reduce their urge to gamble, while cognitive behavioural therapy changes the way they think. Once they learn how to stop, gambling can become a much more manageable activity.
Regardless of where you gamble, the temptation to win money is there. It’s not just the thrill of winning money. The temptation to gamble can cause serious damage to one’s finances. If they cannot control themselves, they might even start stealing money to fund their gambling addiction. Counselling is free and confidential. If you feel that gambling is ruining your life, you should reach out to a counselor. They are available around the clock to help you overcome your gambling habit.
A person who is experiencing problems with gambling is likely to have gambling problems. People with this disorder often experience social problems related to gambling, and have difficulty focusing on their daily activities. In addition, these individuals may spend hours alone and try to hide their problem gambling. Many people may even commit crimes in order to fund their gambling. Gambling problems can lead to other problems in a person’s life. In extreme cases, they may even endanger the safety of their loved ones.