Getting Help for a Gambling Addiction

Has gambling become a way of making decisions and getting through your day? Do you find yourself making arbitrary bets with yourself based on random happenings around you? “If the radio plays one of my favourite songs in the next 15 minutes, it means I should go out and buy a lottery ticket…”

Outward Signs

Gambling addiction has outward symptoms: spending incredible amounts of time on the slot machines, on-line gambling, or at the poker table, usually losing money. When gambling takes priority over spending time with friends, family, or making a living, this may be an outward sign that you are addicted to gambling.

Psychological Signs

Gambling addiction is also a mindset. You may not only think about gambling, but start to anticipate the thrill you attain from a win, however big or small it may be. That thrill leaves you wanting more, and spending more time, money, and energy to get that ‘high’. You may find yourself taking an approach to your day that involves a series of gambles, in an attempt to achieve that thrill again and again. When the need to get the boost from a win feels like it’s always in the back of your mind, you may want to seek help.

Help for Overcoming a Gambling Addiction

There are a number of ways that you can get help when you realize that gambling has become detrimental in your life. The first thing you might do is reach out to someone who you are close to, and let them know that you need help and would like their support. There are also public agencies in place to support you in overcoming this serious addiction, offering hotlines and support groups amongst other services. If you decide you want to work with a counsellor, you’ll have one-on-one help that can help you understand the process of gambling addiction and help you to change your habits for the long term.