The game: getting away from it all

The majority of people gamble. Most of the time, there are few consequences. However, some people have become addicted to gambling, like a drug. Before reaching this point, almost everyone has gone through the same three phases (winning; playing more and losing; losing more and more and suffering). It's usually only when they've lost a lot (and not just money) that they call for help. Pathological gamblers gamble almost exclusively. The'illusion of control of chance and the need for high stakes are factors likely to lead to an increasingly deep addiction. Other types of gambling can be consumed excessively and lead to unfortunate consequences, but true addiction is much rarer

If you feel you have a problem with gambling, get help! There are many different kinds of help available: it's up to you to find what suits you best.

First of all, you can apply to the Belgian Gaming Commission (http://www.gamingcommission.fgov.be/website/) for a ban on access to Type I (casinos) and Type II (automatic gaming rooms) gaming halls. However, this won't solve all your problems, as online casinos don't keep a register of banned players. In fact, many compulsive gamblers have relapsed because of the solicitations of Internet gaming rooms.

Seek the help of a specialized therapist!
There are many therapeutic approaches, in individual or group sessions.

Psychoanalysis views addiction as a symptom of a deep-seated illness. With this technique, the person tries to understand and eliminate the origin of his or her problems. Treatment is therefore relatively long and generally effective.

Cognitive and/or behavioral therapies, based on a proper understanding of the concepts of "chance" and "hasard", are generally quite effective in the short term.

For some time now, self-help associations and discussion groups have been appearing in Europe, known as "Gamblers Anonymous" (G.A.), based on the model of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Liège group, which is very active, can provide valuable support. http://users.skynet.be/joueurs 

Some psychotropic drugs can help, particularly in support of therapy. They are based on the neurobiological aspects of dependence.

In addition to therapists, there are a number of associations that help gamblers to reintegrate into society, at work, at school, with their families, in search of leisure activities, in debt mediation and over-indebtedness...
La Maison du social de la Province de Liège (http://social.prov-liege.be/) can direct you to the various help centers.