As coworkers fill out their brackets and you flip through TV programs about this season’s basketball tournament, you might be feeling overwhelmed. Anyone who is predisposed to compulsive gambling will find sports seasons challenging. However, large-scale tournaments pose an extra obstacle. This guide will help you recognize the signs of gambling addiction and get the help you need this season. 

Betting on Basketball? How to Manage Problem Gambling

What Are the Signs of Problem Gambling?

While the signs of problem gambling and gambling addiction can be different for everyone, there are some common signals. These include a frequent preoccupation with betting money and lying to hide these activities. You might also feel the need to bet increasing amounts of money to experience satisfaction.

Those with a gambling compulsion feel irritated when they try to stop the activity, often starting their habit again. If you’re prioritizing gambling over family, work, and other responsibilities, you might be experiencing an addiction. In more severe cases, individuals might steal money or ask loved ones for cash to keep betting. 

How Can You Cope During Sports Tournaments?

One of the first steps in coping this sports season is to understand your triggers and avoid them whenever possible. This could mean that you pass on invitations to watch the game with friends and stay away from local sports bars. To help you stick with this commitment, confide in your support system and ask them to hold you accountable. 

You might also consider seeking professional help for problem gambling. A mental health counselor will talk you through your gambling addiction of compulsion, helping you come up with tools to manage. They might also recommend group counseling, so you can confide in others who have similar struggles. Gambling addiction recovery programs can be highly effective, and your counselor will help you find the right system for you.

If you’re struggling to cope this sports season, the counselors at The LCADA Way will help. Located in Lorain, OH, these professionals have been working with individuals and prioritizing mental health for over 37 years. Whether you’re struggling with a gambling addiction or substance abuse, they will provide a mental health service for you. From screening to recovery, they will stick with you every step of the way. To view a full list of their services, visit them online. You can also call (440) 989-4900 to ask about services for you or a loved one.