Gambling is a risky activity where people stake something of value in the hope of winning more. It can be done in many ways, such as betting on sports events, games of chance, card games, and the lottery. Problem gambling is linked to family conflict, relationship breakdown, mental illness and even suicide. It can leave a legacy of harm that lasts throughout one’s life and can spread across generations. There is evidence that a number of methods are effective in decreasing gambling harm, including restrictions on access and availability (including centralized account registration to require those who gamble to set binding loss limits) as well as treatment interventions and policy measures.
People who have trouble stopping gambling often experience mood swings, trouble sleeping and feelings of being hopeless or ashamed. This can lead to a vicious cycle of trying to earn back the money they lost by gambling more, which leads to further losses and increasing feelings of failure and despair. In some cases, this can lead to thoughts of self-harm.
If you are struggling with gambling, it’s important to seek help from a trusted source. You can get support from friends, a therapist or a community of fellow problem gamblers. It’s also helpful to find healthy coping skills and replace unhealthy habits with new ones, like exercise, healthy eating and restful activities. Cravings and lapses are part of recovery, but each day without gambling brings you closer to lasting change.
