How to Recognise a Gambling Problem
Gambling is any activity where a person risks something of value (usually money) for the chance to win a prize. This can be done through a variety of activities such as lotteries, cards, dice, horses, sports events, video games and the Internet. Gambling may be legal or illegal and can occur in a wide variety of settings, including casinos, racetracks, private clubs, bars, restaurants, churches, gas stations and sporting events. People often gamble for cash prizes, but some individuals also place bets on non-cash prizes, such as merchandise or services.
Despite being a popular pastime, gambling has a number of problems that can be difficult to recognise and address. People can find themselves addicted to gambling in many different ways, including:
Some individuals are more susceptible to developing a problem with gambling than others. This is believed to be due to the way their brains process reward information, control impulses and weigh risk. In addition, underlying mood disorders such as depression and anxiety can contribute to gambling addictions or make them worse.
In addition, people who are socially isolated or have poor coping skills may be more likely to develop a gambling problem. These individuals tend to feel a greater need for the approval and stimulation of other people, which can lead them to seek gratification from gambling.
People who have a genetic predisposition for thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity are also at higher risk of developing a gambling problem. The neurotransmitters that regulate reward and pleasure systems in the brain are affected by these conditions. Furthermore, research suggests that certain genes are linked to a tendency towards compulsive gambling.
Gambling can trigger many unpleasant feelings, such as boredom, sadness, anger or stress, and these can lead to a range of negative consequences. For example, a person who gambles may become more irritable or angry, and they may lose track of time and spend more than they intended to. In addition, they may hide gambling from their family and friends or lie to conceal the extent of their involvement in gambling.
A person can become dependent on gambling to escape bad emotions, and they may continue to gamble even when they are in financial difficulties. They may even attempt to ‘chase’ their losses, putting themselves at risk of debt or bankruptcy. They may also lie to a therapist or other professionals about their gambling activities or rely on family members for money to pay for the habit. In some cases, gambling can become an addiction causing serious emotional and psychological distress and affecting a person’s work and relationships. People with this condition may also be at increased risk of suicide. There are a number of options for help and treatment, such as support groups, individual counselling, self-help books and inpatient or residential care programs. Some of these programs are specifically geared for people with gambling disorder and offer round-the-clock support. Some provide family therapy as part of the program. Other programs are based on the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous, which uses peer support to encourage recovery.