Gambling involves risking something of value (money, property or time) for a possible gain in return. It can be fun and exciting, but it’s also possible to lose everything you have. If gambling is affecting your personal or professional life, it’s important to seek help.

Having a gambling disorder can have negative effects on both your mental and physical health. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and other disorders that can cause harm to yourself or others. In some cases, it can even lead to suicide.

There are a number of ways to get help for gambling problems, including therapy and support groups. However, a person who has a gambling disorder must be ready to change their behavior and address the problem in order to receive the best treatment results.

Some people who have gambling disorders are able to control their urges and stop gambling, but for those who do not, it can be extremely difficult to overcome the addiction. It is often a chronic and progressive disorder that requires ongoing treatment to manage.

Many different types of therapy have been shown to be effective in treating gambling disorder, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps a person to change the way they think and feel about their gambling behavior. It can teach a person to recognize their triggers and avoid them, and to make better choices about what they do with their money.

Studies have also found that therapy can improve a person’s quality of life and their relationships with family members and friends. There are a variety of therapeutic techniques that can be used, such as interpersonal therapy and family systems therapy. It’s important for family and friends to educate themselves about gambling disorders and support their loved ones through the recovery process.

It can be helpful to develop a support network and find a therapist that understands the impact of gambling on your family and community. There are online resources that can connect you with a therapist that suits your needs.

Taking the first step to admit that you have a gambling problem can be difficult, especially when it’s a long-held secret. It can take tremendous strength to acknowledge the issue, especially if it has caused you to lose money or strain relationships. Often, financial crises such as bankruptcy are what prompt a person to take action and seek help. If you are struggling with debt, consider speaking to StepChange, who can offer free and confidential advice.

To reduce the likelihood of gambling becoming a problem, you can limit your access to credit cards and remove them from your wallet. You can also limit the amount of cash you carry with you, and only gamble with disposable income. You should also stay away from places where you are likely to be tempted, such as bars and casinos. Avoiding your triggers can help prevent the impulse to gamble, and it’s a good idea to plan ahead by taking an alternate route to work if your normal journey passes by a casino or changing the channel if watching sports makes you want to place bets.