Gambling involves risking something of value (usually money) on a random event for the chance to win a prize. It can be done on anything from lottery tickets, scratch-offs or casino games to sports betting and video games. While gambling can be a harmless pastime for many, it is also a major cause of harm for others.
Problematic gambling changes the way your brain works and makes you lose control over the behavior. It can take you away from activities that are important to you, like work and friends. In addition, it can lead to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts in some people. It is a major cause of debt and financial problems, and can even lead to homelessness.
The first step to overcoming your problem is realizing that you have one. This can be difficult, especially if you’ve lost a lot of money or have hurt or strained relationships because of it. But it is a necessary step.
Once you know that you have a gambling addiction, it is important to get help. Seek non-judgemental support from friends and family, or from a peer group such as Gamblers Anonymous. You can also get professional help through BetterHelp, an online service that matches you with a therapist who specializes in your particular needs and can help with depression, anxiety, relationships and more.
Getting help for your gambling disorder will require some hard work, but it will be worth it. A therapist can teach you skills to overcome your gambling addiction and help you build a stronger life. They can also help you address any underlying issues that might be contributing to your gambling addiction, such as mood disorders, substance use or coping styles.
A therapist can also help you develop healthy coping strategies and address any negative thinking that might be contributing to your gambling disorder. They can also teach you to recognize when you’re gambling as a way to escape from your problems and replace it with healthier ways of dealing with them.
Finally, a therapist can help you set boundaries around your gambling and make sure that it doesn’t interfere with other aspects of your life. This might include setting a time limit for when you want to stop gambling, and deciding ahead of time how much you’re willing to spend. And be careful not to try and win back your losses – research shows that the more you chase your losses, the more likely you are to end up losing more money.