How to Overcome a Gambling Addiction
While gambling can be fun when done in moderation, it can be a dangerous and unhealthy habit. Problem gambling is often described as a hidden addiction because it lacks physical symptoms or obvious outward signs. However, there are some signs you can look for that may indicate you’ve developed a gambling addiction. Listed below are some common warning signs. Keep reading for more information. Continue reading for helpful tips on overcoming your gambling addiction. And remember that gambling is never a cure for mood disorder!
The first step in fighting gambling addiction is to strengthen your support system. Reach out to family and friends. Make new friends who do not participate in gambling. Join classes or volunteer for charities. You can also join a gambling support group like Gamblers Anonymous. This 12-step program is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, and requires that you choose a “sponsor,” a former gambler who can offer guidance and support. Getting the help you need is an important first step toward healing.
As legalized gambling has become more popular, primary care providers are increasingly evaluating their patients for the potential risk of addiction. Although gambling is not considered a drug, it can be addictive. In addition, the relative importance of gambling screening depends on the risks and benefits of problem gambling. The relative risk is greater for younger people, while it’s lower for older people. This article examines the importance of assessing patients for gambling in primary care settings. Once you’ve diagnosed a gambling problem, you’ll know whether it’s time to seek help.
Responsible gambling means knowing your odds, limiting your gambling, and knowing when to stop. A gambler should plan for losses, not treat it as a way to make money. Understanding why you get swept away by gambling and the impact it has on your life may be the key to a lasting recovery. Don’t take your chances with gambling unless you’re 100% sure you’ll win. You might be surprised at what you learn. The best way to overcome your gambling habit is to change your mindset.
While it’s true that gambling can have a negative impact on your health, a study conducted by the Chief Medical Examiner found that more than eighty percent of the people who died in Atlantic City were elderly. Even in these cases, older people with cardiac problems can be at increased risk for sudden cardiac death. Further research is needed to determine how gambling affects older people and the impact of this on their lives. But these facts are still important to note.
The world’s legal gambling market is estimated at $10 trillion a year. Unlawful gambling is estimated at even higher. However, the amount of money wagered may be higher. For example, the United States’ gambling industry generated more than $335 billion in revenue in the second quarter of 2010.