Gambling is a risky activity that involves the use of money or other valuables to win prizes. It is often associated with high risk and can be addictive if you don’t control it properly. It can also interfere with other areas of your life and lead to problems such as debt, homelessness and depression.

Getting Help

The most effective way to stop gambling is to reach out for support and help. There are many organisations that can offer advice and counselling. Some will help you abstain from gambling entirely, whilst others can provide support and assistance for those who are already suffering from an addiction.

Understanding why you gamble and preventing it from becoming a problem can be the key to overcoming your addiction. It will teach you to control your behaviour and reduce the chances of you slipping into a cycle of abuse.

A coping mechanism

People often gamble for reasons such as to forget their worries or because they feel more self-confident. These are all perfectly valid reasons for playing, but if you think that your loved one has started to gamble too much, it could be an indication that they have a gambling problem.

A reward uncertainty

Whether the jackpot is worth thousands of pounds, or you’re just hoping that there will be a few cherries in the slot machine, the reward uncertainty of gambling plays a big part in its popularity. The anticipation of a possible reward can lead to dopamine release, a neurotransmitter that is released during pleasant experiences.

It’s also important to realise that the benefits of gambling don’t always outweigh the negative consequences. For example, if someone is losing their life savings, it might not be the best thing for them. Likewise, if you are spending more time at the casino than you are with your family or doing your job, it may be a sign that you are not taking care of yourself.

If you are worried about a friend or family member, you should seek professional help. A GP or counsellor will be able to diagnose any gambling problem and recommend suitable treatment.

The costs of problem gambling

It is estimated that the economic impact of problem gambling is significant in the UK. It can have a major impact on health, relationships and performance at work or study, get you into trouble with the law, and put you in serious debt. It can also have a negative impact on your family and friends.

There is a strong link between gambling and mental health. There are many services that can help those with a gambling problem and their families and friends.

Adolescents and gambling

Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to developing a gambling problem. If you are concerned that your teenager is gambling too much, it’s important to talk to them about the impact it has on their life. It can be hard to talk about something that is so personal, but you need to do it if it’s causing you concern.