The Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved medications for treating gambling disorder, but several types of psychotherapy can help. These treatments involve talking to a mental health professional in a safe, confidential environment. They can teach you skills to overcome your gambling behavior and prevent it from affecting your life. Psychotherapy can also help you understand your feelings and thoughts, so you’re better able to deal with them in healthier ways.
When you gamble, the brain sends massive surges of a chemical called dopamine to the reward center of your brain. This is a pleasure chemical that can cause you to seek rewards from gambling instead of doing the things your body needs for survival, like spending time with loved ones and eating healthy foods. Over time, this can change your brain chemistry and make you crave gambling even more.
People can gamble in a variety of ways, from playing slot machines and casino games to betting on horse and greyhound races or football accumulators, buying lottery tickets or scratch cards and participating in office pools. Traditionally, gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event that is determined at least in part by chance, with the intent to win something else of value and where instances of strategy are discounted.
Gambling can have devastating social and economic effects on individuals, their families and their communities. It can damage a person’s health, relationships and performance at work or school and can lead to serious debt and even homelessness. It can also trigger depression and make underlying mood disorders, such as anxiety or stress, worse.
There are a number of different approaches to treating gambling disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy and family and group therapy. Medications that are used to treat other disorders, such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers, can also be effective in treating gambling disorder.
It’s important to address any underlying mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression, that may be making you impulsive and increasing your risk of gambling addiction. Getting help for these conditions can also reduce the severity and frequency of your gambling episodes and increase your motivation to overcome your addiction.
It’s tough to fight a gambling addiction on your own, so it’s important to get support from friends and family. You can also find support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, that offer peer-to-peer support and advice. Try to find new ways to relieve stress and enjoy yourself, such as exercise, meditation or spending time with loved ones. You can also seek treatment or rehab programs for gambling disorder, which provide round-the-clock care and support.