Gambling is an activity in which you place a bet on an outcome that is determined by chance. It’s an extremely popular and accessible way to spend your money, but it can be a very dangerous addiction if you don’t know how to handle it.
The odds are against you
One of the most important things to remember about gambling is that you are betting on an outcome that is entirely unpredictable. This means that the chances of winning are incredibly small and you have to be prepared to lose your money. Despite this, it can still be an exciting and exhilarating experience.
Your loved one may be a compulsive gambler
If you are concerned that your loved one has become a problem gambler, it is vital to seek help. This is because gambling can have serious consequences for their health, relationships, work and study. It can also leave them in debt, homeless and with a criminal record.
You can help them to stop their behaviour by encouraging them to look at the effective treatments available and by talking with them about their problems. This will show them that you care about them and are there to support them.
They might be able to get help by joining a group or counselling service for people with this type of addiction. These organisations offer a range of services to people with gambling issues, including cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic counselling.
There are also groups for family members and friends of gamblers who are looking for support. These organisations can provide you with information about local resources and can give you the opportunity to talk to someone who has been through what you are going through.
Be a good supporter
As well as encouraging them to take professional help, you can offer your own support by offering a listening ear and helping to set some boundaries in managing their finances. It can be a very overwhelming and stressful time for you and your loved one, so it is important to make sure that you are providing them with the right level of support.
Be patient and understand that they are likely to have a lot of reasons for gambling. These might include a need to feel better about themselves, or a desire to forget their worries. They will often be unaware that they are doing this and might not realise that their behaviour is getting out of hand.
Avoid denial
As with any addiction, it can be very difficult to change your gambling habits once you’ve started. It is a very common misconception that you can win back all the money you’ve lost, but this simply isn’t true.
If you have a loved one who is gambling, it can be very frustrating to watch them spend all their money and have no money left for other things. They might even be tempted to borrow, sell or steal to keep up with their habit.