Gambling is the placing of something of value on an uncertain event, with awareness of the risk and with the intent of winning. It can range from lottery tickets bought by people with little money, to sophisticated casino gambling. It is not a socially desirable activity and can impoverish families, lead to blackmail, and even attract organized crime. It is illegal in many places and is not recommended for children. It is also often an addiction, with individuals spending more than they can afford to lose and even borrowing to fund their gambling habits. People with a gambling problem can have difficulty holding down jobs or maintaining relationships, and may even attempt suicide.
Problem gambling is more common among men than women, but it can affect people of any age. It can impact people from every background, race and religion. It can be triggered by a number of factors, including mood disorders such as depression or anxiety, or by stressful events such as relationship difficulties, financial problems, illness or loss. It can affect both the person with the gambling disorder and their family, friends and work colleagues.
The most important step for someone with a gambling problem to take is to acknowledge that they have a problem. It can be hard to admit this, especially if you have lost significant amounts of money and strained or broken relationships along the way. However, you can do it, and there is help available. There are support groups, treatment options and online therapy services that can all help you regain control of your life.
One of the biggest reasons for gambling becoming a habit is that it activates the reward centre of the brain, which releases the feel-good chemical dopamine. This reinforces the behaviour, so it becomes harder to stop. It is also often a form of self-medication and can mask symptoms of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or stress.
Another problem with gambling is that it can lead to a feeling of powerlessness. The unpredictability of the outcome of a game can cause a gambler to try and gain control by manipulating their environment – for example, by throwing the dice in a certain way or wearing a lucky hat. This is known as “partial reinforcement” and can increase the likelihood of future gambling episodes.
Gambling can also create a feeling of secrecy and isolation. Some problem gamblers will hide their gambling from family and friends or lie about it. Others will spend time hiding their phones or laptops from others. Trying to control the situation on your own can be overwhelming, so it is important to seek family and relationship counselling. BetterHelp offers a free, confidential assessment and matches you with a licensed, accredited therapist who can help you overcome your gambling addiction. They can also help you repair your relationships and finances. You can start your journey to recovery in as little as 48 hours. Read more about how to cope with a loved one’s gambling addiction.