Get Help If Your Gambling is Causing You a Problem
The term gambling is used to describe a wager on an event of chance where instances of strategy are discounted. This includes activities such as placing bets on sporting events, buying scratchcards, and playing online slots. Gambling involves three essential elements: consideration, risk, and a prize.
When you gamble, your brain’s reward centre is stimulated and releases a chemical called dopamine, which gives you pleasure. This is why gambling can be so addictive. If your gambling is causing problems in your life, it’s important to get help as soon as possible.
It can be hard to admit you have a problem, especially if it’s costing you money or affecting your relationships. But don’t try to go it alone: many people have overcome their gambling problems and rebuilt their lives.
A therapist can help you to understand why you gamble and identify any negative consequences it is having in your life. They can also teach you healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or learning relaxation techniques.
Some people with gambling disorders benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This focuses on changing the way you think about betting, for example believing that certain rituals will bring luck or that you’ll be able to win back your losses by gambling more. This is known as the gambler’s fallacy. It is also important to set money and time limits before you start gambling, and never chase your losses.