Gambling is an activity in which people take risks for the potential of a reward. People gamble on a variety of things, including lotteries, horse races, casinos, video poker and slot machines. Some people struggle with gambling, often developing a serious addiction. This is a disorder that can affect the person’s family, relationships and finances. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments and recovery programs for gambling addiction.

Gamble with only what you can afford to lose and do not borrow money to gamble. Set spending limits for yourself and stick to them. Also, try to avoid triggers such as alcohol, which can decrease inhibitions and encourage risk-taking behavior. Keep track of your triggers in a journal, and try to identify the situations, thoughts or feelings that lead you to gamble. This can help you determine which factors are the most problematic and take steps to eliminate them.

In addition to financial harm, a major problem with gambling is the social costs that are not measurable in monetary terms. These include emotional distress, loss of interpersonal relationships, and increased stress levels. These are often overlooked by researchers who only look at the costs of gambling from a monetary perspective.

Despite its widespread legality and the perception that gambling is a fun and exciting recreational activity, gambling has negative effects on society and individuals. While most individuals do not have a problem with gambling, a small group becomes involved to the point of compulsiveness. This can result in severe, detrimental personal and societal consequences.

The most prominent cause of gambling problems is the misperception that the game is low risk and high reward, even though the odds are always in favor of the house. Many people feel compelled to gamble in order to win back lost money or try to get even, a behavior known as “chasing losses.” In some cases, gambling can lead to legal complications, such as forgery and fraud.

Impacts from gambling occur at the personal, interpersonal and community/societal level (Figure 1). At the personal level, a gambler’s activity can divert time and resources away from other activities. Interpersonally, the gambler can experience emotional distress from losing or winning large sums of money. At the community/societal level, gambling can create public health issues such as increased risk of substance use disorders.

The first step in overcoming gambling addiction is admitting that you have a problem. For many, this is a difficult task, particularly for those who have suffered from severe losses or broken relationships. However, there are treatment options available that can help you regain control of your life. BetterHelp, an online therapy company, matches you with licensed therapists who can provide counseling for gambling addiction and other mental health conditions. Get started with a free assessment today! You can begin the road to recovery in just 48 hours. Then, you can focus on rebuilding your life. You are not alone in your struggles—many others have fought and won this battle.