Festive seasons are often associated with joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for some individuals and families, these periods can also bring increased stress, emotional strain, and risk. During festive times, gambling-related harm may increase due to: Social pressure to participate Beliefs around “luck,” prosperity, or winning Financial stress from spending and expectations Loneliness or emotional vulnerability beneath the celebrations It’s important to understand that struggling...

What Are Behavioural Addictions? Behavioural addictions involve repeated actions that feel difficult to control, even when they begin to cause harm. These behaviours often start as ways to cope with stress, emotional pain, loneliness, or overwhelming life circumstances. Common forms of behavioural addiction include: Gambling Internet or online gaming Compulsive spending or shopping Pornography use Sex addiction Love addiction If this sounds familiar, you are not alone — and help is available...

Persons with gambling addiction do not look like what we imagine. They could be professionals, parents, and partners—people who have regular day jobs and families.  But beneath all these is a person who is struggling with a secret. Gambling addiction often takes root not in recklessness, but in moments of stress, loneliness, or vulnerability. Sam  (not his real name) was one such individual. He shares his story in the hope that others may find courage to seek help but more so that no one...