How to Overcome a Gambling Problem

A gambling problem is when a person can’t control the urge to gamble and the behaviour negatively affects other areas of their life. There are many ways to overcome a gambling addiction, including talking to a counsellor. These services are confidential and free and are available 24 hours a day. You can also seek professional help from a therapist or a doctor. However, admitting to a problem may be difficult. It’s important to remember that it is not uncommon to find someone who has already conquered their gambling addiction.

Some people may consider gambling a form of entertainment and a social activity. A person who enjoys gambling may view it as a form of secondary employment and may try to earn money from it to support their lifestyle. If this doesn’t work out, a gambler might be in a financial crisis, requiring them to borrow money from family and friends or using credit cards. In addition, the APA defines a problem gambler as someone who has a history of losing control over his or her finances.

Gambling is not always obvious. The individual may not be aware of the negative consequences of their behaviour, but those around them might be able to tell if it is a problem. Usually, pathological gamblers have sought financial bailouts to help them cope with the financial pressure and distraction of their addiction. They may have even cleaned up their credit cards and taken out loans. These people often blame others for their gambling problem, and it is important to realize that they’re doing it out of guilt or to avoid being judged by others.