How to Stop Gambling
Gambling is an activity where someone risks something of value, like money or chips, in the hope of winning more valuable something, such as a prize or a jackpot. It happens in a wide variety of ways, from playing card games with friends in a private setting to placing bets on sports events or horse races through the internet. Regardless of the method, gambling is a risky and unpredictable activity that can lead to addiction. In 2013, gambling was classified as a substance-related and addictive disorder in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is a complex problem that can be caused by several factors, including changes to brain chemistry and genetic predispositions.
People who struggle with gambling problems often hide their habit from those around them, feeling that others will not understand or support them. They may even lie about the amount of money they’re spending or how often they gamble. Gambling can have a negative impact on a person’s health and relationships, and can even result in debt or homelessness.
While it is difficult to stop gambling once you’ve begun, there are steps you can take to make it easier. Firstly, it is important to recognise that you have a problem and accept that you need help. It is also important to find a therapist who specialises in gambling addiction and can provide you with the tools to manage your condition. Thankfully, online counselling services like BetterHelp can match you with a suitable therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Another helpful tip is to only ever gamble with disposable income and not money that you need to pay bills or rent. This will ensure that you’re not tempted to keep betting in the hopes of making it back. It’s also worth putting your gambling money in a separate envelope for each day to avoid accidentally spending money that you’re supposed to be saving for bills. It’s important to remember that the chance of winning does not increase if you have had a few losses; each individual event has the same probability as the last one.
Another common mistake gamblers make is chasing their losses. This is when they increase their bets in the hope of winning back their previous losses, which leads them into a cycle of losses and gains. Ultimately, this will only cause them more harm in the long run, and is likely to lead to a financial disaster.
