The first step in recovering from a gambling addiction is to strengthen your social support network. Reach out to family and friends for support. Make new friends who do not share your love of gambling. Join education classes or volunteer for good causes. Also, you can join a peer support group. A 12-step recovery program, Gamblers Anonymous, can help you cope with your addiction. These groups have members who are former gamblers who can provide guidance and support.
The APA defines gambling as a mental disorder. The definition of gambling is the process of putting a stake on an unknown event, usually with the intention of winning a certain sum of money or some material prize. A person engaging in this activity will consider the odds and the potential prize, and then make a bet with the hope of winning it all. The outcome is usually evident within a short time. The gambling industry is regulated by gaming control boards, but there are many other forms of gambling, including betting in sports and lottery games.
A gambling binge can have emotional and financial consequences, so it is essential to seek treatment. A professional should help you stop gambling. Once you’ve reached this point, you’ll be able to quit. There are several types of therapy, including behavior therapy, which helps reduce the urge to gamble. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing the way you think about gambling, and helps you overcome your compulsive disorder.