How to Overcome a Gambling Disorder

Gambling is an activity in which people stake something of value, such as money, objects or their own lives, on an uncertain outcome. There are many different kinds of gambling, including lotteries and casino games. It is estimated that more than a billion individuals participate in gambling worldwide each year. In addition, gambling stimulates local economies. For instance, casinos attract tourists who spend their money on hotel rooms and other services. This money is returned to the local economy. Additionally, casinos are known to promote charitable organizations.

Some studies indicate that people with a gambling disorder are more likely to have depression, substance abuse or suicidal thoughts than those without it. They also tend to have poor job performance and a higher risk of financial problems, including debt. These risks increase with the severity of their gambling problem. Unlike other mental health disorders, there is no clear definition of gambling disorder. Researchers, psychiatrists, psychologists and other treatment professionals use a wide variety of nomenclature to describe this condition.

The first step to overcoming a gambling addiction is admitting that you have one. It takes tremendous strength and courage to do this, especially if you have lost a lot of money gambling. But once you acknowledge that you have a gambling problem, there are ways to overcome it. You can try BetterHelp, an online therapy service that matches you with licensed, accredited therapists. It’s free to take the assessment, and you could be matched with a therapist within 48 hours.