Gambling Addiction – How to Overcome Your Gambling Habits
Gambling is a form of risk-taking that involves betting money on events with an uncertain outcome. This could be placing a bet on a football team to win a match, or buying a scratchcard. The decision to gamble is usually matched with a ‘odds’ – a percentage of the total amount that could be won – which are calculated by the gambling company and determine how much you can expect to win if you make a winning bet.
While there is a lot of hype around how easy it is to make money by gambling, most people lose more than they win. Some people even find themselves in a cycle of debt and depression. In addition, there are other negative effects associated with gambling that are not as widely acknowledged. These include negative impacts on the family, friends and community. There are also a number of other mental health issues that can arise from excessive gambling, such as anxiety and bipolar disorder.
The good news is that it’s possible to overcome gambling addiction. Several types of psychotherapy have been proven to be effective at treating problematic gambling. These techniques involve working with a trained, licensed mental health professional to identify and change unhealthy emotions and thoughts that may be contributing to your gambling behavior.
Changing your gambling habits requires dedication and willpower. To stay on track, set a time limit for yourself when you begin to gamble and leave when you reach that limit, whether you’re winning or losing. Don’t bet with money you can’t afford to lose, and try not to gamble when you’re feeling stressed or upset.