How to Overcome a Gambling Addiction

If you know someone who is gambling too much, it’s important to encourage them to get help. This could be through family therapy or a self-help group such as Gamblers Anonymous which offers local, telephone and online support.

The first step is admitting that you have a problem. This can be difficult, particularly if your gambling has caused financial problems or strained or broken relationships. It is also a step towards changing your behaviour, so that you can break the addiction.

It’s important to take things one day at a time when trying to overcome a gambling addiction. Try to avoid tempting situations by avoiding betting shops or casinos. If you have to be around these places, talk to your mental health professional about a behavioural treatment plan that can help you manage the triggers and maintain your focus on recovery.

Some people become addicted to gambling because they are looking for a sense of pleasure or excitement, which can be triggered by winning money. Others have a history of trauma or abuse that leads them to gamble in order to escape from their problems. And some people have antisocial or impulsive personalities that make them more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour.

The key to breaking the habit of gambling is to find a positive alternative activity. This can be as simple as focusing on hobbies, or as complex as finding new ways to enjoy yourself without the use of money. Developing new habits takes time, and you will probably experience some setbacks along the way. This is to be expected, and a good therapist will be able to provide you with relapse prevention strategies.