Gambling can be an enjoyable activity for some people, but it can also have serious negative effects on many people. It can impact relationships, performance at work or study, get people into trouble with the law and leave them in serious debt and even homelessness.
Getting help to stop gambling can help you and your family lead happier, healthier lives. You can learn how to stop gambling and manage your finances by following these steps:
A decision
If you want to stop gambling, you need to make the decision that it’s time to do so. This can be a difficult one to make, but it’s important to find a way to break the cycle of gambling. There are lots of ways to do this, including cutting back on the amount of money you spend on gambling.
The right environment
Where you live and the community in which you live can have an impact on how much you gamble and the type of gambling you do. Where there are lots of casinos nearby, for example, you may be more likely to have a problem with gambling than someone who lives in a more sparsely populated area.
A social atmosphere
Another benefit of gambling is that it brings people together to have fun and socialize. This can include going to the casino, pooling resources to play at a race track, buying lottery tickets with friends and even sharing your money with people you know.
The thrill of the win
When you’re playing a game of chance, your brain releases dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that makes you excited and happy. This can be addictive, because you can’t stop feeling that good feeling even after you lose.
The good news is that this response doesn’t last forever. You can learn to control your emotions and reduce the likelihood that you will have a problem with gambling.
Your gambling habits can be influenced by your mood and other factors that are associated with psychological disorders or conditions, such as depression, stress, substance abuse, or anxiety. These can cause problems with your coping styles and beliefs, and can also increase your risk of developing harmful gambling behaviours.
Making new connections in your brain
Learning to play a new game of chance, or trying to develop a winning strategy in a casino game, can stimulate the development of new nerve connections in your brain. These connections can help keep your brain healthy and strong.
Relaxation and comfort
When you’re happy, your brain functions more effectively and can calm down and relieve stress. When you’re depressed or anxious, your brain can become hyperactive and you might be more prone to problem gambling.
A positive environment
If you’re around people who enjoy gambling, you are less likely to get into problematic gambling. This can be because they will be more supportive of your choices and less likely to try to change them.
Getting support for a loved one with gambling issues
If a friend or family member is struggling with gambling, they need to seek help. This will ensure that they receive the best possible treatment and will give them a safe place to talk about their problems.