GAMBLING - FUN OR HARMFUL?

‘Gambling has brought our family together. We had to move to a smaller house.’ Tommy Cooper

Gambling is an activity many people enjoy. From casinos, online websites, scratchcards, slot-machines etc, it’s mostly harmless fun but, compulsive gambling can be harmful. It can damage your health and relationships and leave you in debt.

Do you think you’re a problem gambler? Here’s a list of questions, compiled by the NHS, you can ask yourself:

- Do you bet more than you can afford to lose?
- Do you need to gamble with larger amounts of money to maintain the same feeling?
- Do you try to win back money you lose (chasing losses)?
- Do you borrow money or sell things to be able to gamble?
- Does your gambling cause you any health problems, including feelings of stress or anxiety?
- Do other people criticise your betting or tell you that you have a gambling problem (regardless of whether or not you believe it’s true)?
- Does your gambling cause any financial problems for you or your household?
- Have you ever felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you do?

If you’re answering yes to most of the above questions, you may have a gambling problem. You’re not alone though and it’s sometimes referred to as a “hidden illness”. There's evidence it can be successfully treated in the same way as other compulsive, negative behaviours.

There are also some self-help tips you can consider if you’re a problem gambler:

Do:
- Pay important bills, such as your mortgage, on payday before you start gambling.
- Spend more time with family and friends who don't gamble.
- Deal with your debts, try not ignoring them.

Don't:
- See gambling as a way to make money, try seeing it as entertainment instead.
- Bottle up your worries about your gambling, talk to someone, family member, friend or professional.
- Take credit cards with you when you go gambling.

You can also take advantage of our monthly ‘Get Your Life Back’ weekend residential retreat. This mindfulness workshop, run by Chris Hill, will teach you how your mind works and how it affects your behaviour. You’ll learn how to take back control of your life.

Join us at our next retreat with Chris Hill 'Beat My Addictions' (No.1 Selling Author - Amazon) for a weekend of learning and taking control of your sugar habits and addictions. The first step to 'a better you'.