Gambling is an activity in which you risk something of value (usually money) for the chance to win something else of value. Almost any game that involves an element of chance can be classified as gambling, including card games, fruit machines and other slot-type devices, lottery tickets, bingo, scratchcards, sports betting and speculating on business, insurance or stock markets.
Most people participate in gambling for fun and social reasons, but a small number of people develop an addiction to the habit that can have serious personal, family and financial consequences. Unlike other addictions, where the root cause is usually psychological or emotional, gambling can be a physical addiction that is triggered by a chemical imbalance in your brain.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) defines gambling disorder as “a pattern of compulsive gambling behavior that is associated with substantial distress or impairment.” Those with the problem tend to gamble to relieve anxiety, stress or depression, or as a way to escape other problems they are experiencing. People with mood disorders are particularly vulnerable to developing a gambling problem.
It is important to recognize the signs of a gambling problem and take action. If you have a gambling problem, seek help from a reputable counseling service and seek out support groups for gamblers. Support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous are based on the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous and can help you work through the issues that led to your gambling addiction.
People gamble for a variety of reasons, from pure enjoyment to winning big prizes or changing their lifestyles. Many people gamble because they enjoy the thrill of thinking about what they would do with a large sum of money. Some people start gambling as a form of entertainment or to pass the time and end up losing a lot of money. Others become addicted to gambling for financial or social reasons and can’t stop.
Despite the fact that most people who gamble do not have problems, compulsive gambling is becoming more common in the general population. It is especially prevalent in younger people, who are more likely to develop a gambling disorder than older adults. Men also are more susceptible to developing a gambling disorder than women.
A psychiatric treatment for gambling disorder can include individual and group therapy and medication. Some medications used in the treatment of gambling disorder are antidepressants and sedatives. In some cases, doctors may recommend a combination of these medications to reduce the severity of symptoms. Individuals with gambling disorders can benefit from family and marriage therapy as well as financial, career and credit counseling. They can also seek help for any underlying mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse, which can trigger or make worse a gambling disorder. In addition, some individuals may benefit from spiritual or religious counseling. This is especially important if their families and churches have a strong stance against gambling. These types of counseling can also help with relapse prevention and recovery.