Gambling is an addictive behaviour. Many people who gamble are unable to explain why they continue to gamble despite all the problems it causes to them in their lives.
Even though winning money may be the initial attraction to gambling, most people who gamble use gambling as an opportunity to escape from the problems in their lives.
Gambling is a disorder of habit, and habits are learned behaviours with short-term gains and long term pains. Just as they are learned, they can be unlearned.
There is no one single answer that will stop you gambling. Gambling problems are complex and it is important to understand the role gambling plays in your life. Once you have acknowledged a problem exists, you have taken the first step towards deciding you want to change.
Based on the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, it was estimated that approximately 6.1% or about 47,000 adults in Nova Scotia were at any level of risk for problem gambling. About 0.9% ( 7,000 adults) are identified as Severe Problem Gamblers.
If you recognise any of the following, it may be that gambling and its consequences are preventing you from living life to the full.

• Concealing , denying or lying about gambling behaviour.
• Spending significant amounts of time gambling or thinking about gambling.
• Excessive or uncontrolled spending.
• Debt.
• Withdrawing from family life.
• Spending significant amounts of time on a computer.
• Absence from work or college.
• Deteriorating relationships with family and friends

The next step is to get help. You will probably need to use a number of different approaches to help you stop. You are more likely to succeed with support from others.
Counselling can be a safe and confidential way to start exploring your gambling behaviour, to examine the effects gambling is having on your life and to connect it with your life experiences.
Group support can be found at www.gamblersanonymous.org.
Residential treatment provides the opportunity to take time away from your gambling, to participate in individual counselling sessions, group therapy, relaxation, massage therapy, experiential therapy, relationship therapy and to focus on changing behaviour and reawakening the possibility of a better life.
Be positive. Be optimistic. Be hopeful.