Helping Someone With a Gambling Addiction
The act of gambling is placing a bet on something of value, such as money or merchandise, with the hope of winning more than you invested. In addition, there are certain psychological conditions that can cause someone to develop a gambling addiction. The term “gambling” encompasses a variety of activities, such as betting on sports events, playing casino games, fantasy league sports, and scratch cards. These activities all have the potential to be addictive, and they can have significant negative effects on a person’s life.
The majority of people who gamble do so responsibly and without any serious problems. However, 2.5 million U.S adults would meet the criteria for pathological gambling, and many of them have serious issues with their finances. In addition, there are a number of other factors that can lead to gambling problems, including poor health, financial distress, and strained relationships.
People who are prone to gambling often have underlying mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or stress. These disorders can be triggered by gambling or made worse by it, and they may also affect a person’s work performance and family life. The good news is that there are a number of treatment options available for those who have gambling disorders.
It is important to understand what makes gambling addictive in order to help a loved one who is struggling with this condition. First, it is helpful to recognize that a person who gambles has mixed motives. They enjoy the activity for its own sake, but they may have problematic reasons for continuing to gamble, such as escaping boredom or coping with unpleasant emotions. In addition, problem gamblers often think that they have a better chance of winning if they play longer.
There is also a common misperception that gambling is low risk and high reward, but the fact is that the odds are always against you. Additionally, gambling can become addictive because it provides a feeling of excitement and anticipation. This can be a positive feeling, but it is important to realize that there are healthier and more productive ways to relieve boredom and stress.
There are a number of things you can do to help someone who is struggling with a gambling addiction, including supporting them financially and helping them find alternative ways to deal with difficult emotions. It is also helpful to strengthen the person’s support network and seek therapy. A therapist can teach them healthy ways to cope with their feelings and provide guidance on how to break the habit of gambling. BetterHelp is an online service that matches people with licensed, accredited therapists. It’s free to get started, and you can be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Then you can begin your journey to recovery.