Gambling involves placing a bet on a random event with the hope of winning money. It is an enjoyable activity for many people, but for others it can be problematic and even lead to addiction. Problem gambling can damage relationships, cause poor health and performance at work or study, get people into debt and even affect suicide rates. The good news is that help and support is available for anyone suffering from gambling problems.
The first step to overcoming problem gambling is accepting that you have a problem. This can be difficult as you may feel like you are to blame for your addiction. If you have a friend or loved one who is struggling with gambling, it is important to recognise that they are doing this for coping reasons and not as a way to escape their worries or as a means to win money.
Another important factor is realising that gambling can change your brain chemistry. It can trigger the release of dopamine, which is a natural neurotransmitter that makes you feel excited and happy. This is why people gamble to feel this rush – but it can be problematic if you keep gambling, as the risk of losing money increases and your brain begins to respond differently.
Finally, you should consider making changes to your behaviour in order to prevent gambling from causing harm. This could include taking away your credit cards, asking someone else to be in charge of your money, having the bank make automatic payments and closing your online betting accounts.