How to Overcome a Gambling Addiction

Gambling

The prevalence of gambling in America is high – nearly four out of five adults have gambled at least once. Every state has some form of legalized gambling, and people can now even gamble at home using their cell phones and Internet connection. There are roughly two million Americans who are considered addicted to gambling, and about 20 million more suffer from an addiction to gambling that interferes with their work or social lives.

One of the first steps in overcoming a gambling addiction is to strengthen your social support system. You can do this by reaching out to your family and friends, enrolling in education courses, volunteering, and joining a peer support group. Another option is to join Gamblers Anonymous (GA), a 12-step program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. These groups will provide you with support from other gamblers and their sponsors.

Gambling addiction has many causes, including the individual’s social situation. It can start out as a novelty or social experience, but can quickly become a serious problem if it increases without the person’s knowledge. If the gambling becomes a serious problem, it can be difficult to overcome it without professional help. However, there are many resources available to help people deal with this problem, including online support groups and counselling.

Gambling can trigger feelings of euphoria and excitement. However, all forms of gambling are risky and should only be undertaken with caution. It’s also essential to remember that gambling is an expense and should be regarded as such.