The risk of developing a gambling addiction in adulthood increases if you start gambling in your youth. One-third of problem gamblers began gambling when they were between eleven and seventeen years old. Young people who gambled regularly also lose contact with their non-gambling peers. However, it is possible to limit your exposure to gambling by being an active parent or guardian. Even if you do not gamble yourself, you can still influence your child to become a problem gambler.
The first step towards recovering from a gambling addiction is to admit that you have a problem. Admitting to a gambling problem is often difficult, but if you do, you’ll have a much better chance of overcoming it. Once you admit to yourself that you have a problem, you’ll be able to begin working toward a better life. You can also seek out help by attending inpatient or residential treatment centers. These programs can help you get on track and achieve a happy, healthy life without gambling.
While gambling is most commonly associated with betting money, it can also involve gambling with anything of value. The item of value is sometimes called “consideration.” The amount of money you bet does not matter as long as the property at stake has value. Depending on your preferences, gambling activities can be as simple as a game of chance or a structured competition. Just make sure that you are not gambling more than you can afford. If you can’t afford to lose, it’s better to invest your money in other forms of entertainment.