How to Break a Gambling Addiction

Gambling is an activity in which you risk something of value for the chance to win a prize. This can include betting on sports events, horse races, lotteries, scratchcards or other casino games like roulette and blackjack. While gambling can be fun and exciting, it is also dangerous if you have an addiction. The biggest step in breaking a gambling problem is admitting that you have one. It takes courage to do this, especially if you have lost money and strained or broken relationships because of your gambling. But many people have succeeded in overcoming their addictions and rebuilding their lives.

If you are concerned about your gambling, you can seek help from a counselor or psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of mental health issues. You may also want to consider attending a support group for gambling addicts, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which uses peer-support and a 12-step program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. In addition, family therapy and marriage, career and credit counseling can help you work through the specific problems created by your gambling problem and lay the foundation for repairing your relationships and finances.