Dealing With a Gambling Addiction

If you are experiencing emotional rollercoaster, or have a tendency to place large bets on the lottery or other gambling games, you may have a gambling addiction. This habit involves a pattern of risky behavior that triggers a high, or “gambling high” – a psychological state of discomfort. Although it may sound counter-intuitive, the behavior is actually a natural response to cognitive dissonance. Problem gamblers rationalize their behavior to ease the psychological discomfort they feel.

In addition to treatment, you can seek help from a support group or a treatment facility for gambling addiction. While it can be difficult to quit gambling on your own, it’s vital to recognize that there are many good people suffering from this disorder and that there are tried-and-true solutions. The first step in recovering from this habit is to understand why you started gambling. There are several different ways to do so, including individual therapy, group therapy, and self-help groups.

The first step in dealing with a gambling addiction is to talk to the person who suffers from it. It’s important to encourage this person to seek treatment. If possible, make the intervention as private as possible. If the gambler is unwilling to talk about the problem, offer them support and advice, and encourage them to seek professional help. In the case of an addiction to online gambling, a support group will be of enormous help. However, it’s important to remember that a gambling addiction treatment is a process that takes time and patience.