Whether it’s a casino, sports book, online or horse race, gambling is a form of risk-taking that involves wagering money for the chance to win. It’s a complex mental activity that’s difficult to control, especially for those suffering from pathological gambling.

People with this addiction are unable to control their urges to gamble and will continue to gamble even when they are in financial difficulties. They might lie to family members or even steal to fund their gambling habit and are often secretive about their behavior. Some may also have coexisting mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.

The good news is that the condition is treatable, and a person can recover with professional help. Some treatment options include psychotherapy and group therapy, which can help the person to understand their underlying psychological issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Psychodynamic therapy can also be helpful in helping the person to become more self-aware and understand how unconscious processes influence their behaviors. Group therapy, which is based on the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous, can also provide support and encouragement.

It’s important for people with this addiction to be honest with their loved ones and seek treatment for their problem. They should also learn to recognize the warning signs of a gambling addiction, which include lying, hiding money and borrowing to fund gambling. They should also be willing to discuss their spending habits with a mental health professional.

Many people with this disorder find it hard to quit, but there are things they can do to reduce their temptations and increase their chances of recovery. For example, they can try new activities that don’t involve gambling, such as cooking or gardening. They can also try to self-exclude from places or situations that trigger the need to gamble, such as by using apps that block casinos and betting websites on their computer or mobile phone. They can also limit their communication with friends who encourage them to gamble.

In addition, they can learn to relieve unpleasant feelings in healthier ways, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble and practising relaxation techniques. They can also join a support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled after the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

A person with this addiction will need to work with their family and a mental health professional to come up with a plan for stopping their gambling. It is important to avoid blaming or belittling the person, as this will only make them feel defensive and more likely to start gambling again. It is also essential to set boundaries and ensure that a person doesn’t borrow any more money or take out credit cards that could be used to fund gambling habits. It’s also a good idea to have someone else look after these cards and to be very clear about repayment obligations. This will help the person to get back on track and focus on other, more productive, aspects of their lives.