How to Stop Gambling
Gambling is a risky activity where you put something of value (like money) on an outcome that relies on chance or randomness. It can be done in many ways, including scratchcards, fruit machines, casino games, betting on horse races or football accumulators and even speculating on business or insurance stock markets. Some people can gamble responsibly, but for others it can have a detrimental impact on their physical and mental health, relationships with friends and family, performance at work or study, get them into trouble with the law and leave them in serious debt. Problem gambling has also been linked to suicide.
While it can be hard to break a habit of gambling, there are steps that you can take. The first step is to identify the triggers and set limits for yourself. You should always start with a fixed amount of money that you’re prepared to lose, and only use this amount when playing. Avoid using ATM cards or other financial instruments, and don’t gamble on credit.
Another way to stop gambling is to seek professional help. Counselling can help you understand your problem, think about how it’s affecting your life and relationships, consider options and solve problems. Medications can be used to treat symptoms of depression or anxiety, and some may help you resist urges to gamble. Self-help groups for people with gambling disorders, such as Gam-Anon, are also available.
Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime, but it’s not as lucrative as it’s made out to be in the movies. Whether you’re sitting in a twinkly casino or placing a bet on the lottery, you can never be sure of winning.
A good thing about gambling is that it helps you socialize with other like-minded people. It can also improve your skills, from pattern recognition to math and critical thinking. Plus, the adrenaline rush you get from gambling can reduce the production of cortisol, a stress hormone.
It’s no secret that gambling is addictive, and it’s estimated that up to two million Americans have a gambling disorder. However, it’s not as easy to treat as other addictions, and the psychiatric community has been divided over its legitimacy as an illness. In a decision that’s being hailed as a milestone, the American Psychiatric Association recently moved pathological gambling into its chapter on impulse-control disorders, alongside kleptomania, pyromania and trichotillomania (hair pulling). This change, which came after 15 years of debate, reflects new research on the biological underpinnings of addiction. It has also helped to raise awareness of the disorder. The move is expected to significantly boost treatment rates, and it’s already had a positive effect on the gaming industry.