Gambling is the act of placing a bet on something that has value. It can include anything from a lottery ticket to playing slots online.
If you’re struggling with gambling, there are some things you can do to stop yourself from losing your money. One way is to set yourself a dollar limit. This means that you must have a fixed amount of money before you go to the casino.
Other ways of controlling your urges are to postpone gambling and distract yourself. You could also try meditation to help you deal with the emotions that you’re feeling when you feel like gambling.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you to understand why you gamble, how it affects your life and your relationship with other people. It can also look at the beliefs you have about betting, such as that you are more likely to win or that certain rituals will make you more lucky.
Self-help groups can also help. They work in the same way as Alcohol Anonymous and can be a useful way of helping you to stay in control.
A financial crisis can also trigger someone to seek treatment for their gambling problems. A lot of people with gambling problems are heavily in debt, and if you’re in that situation it can be a big motivation to get help and deal with your financial worries. A StepChange advisor can help you to find free, confidential debt advice and support.
