Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event whose outcome is determined by chance, where instances of strategy are discounted. Various forms of gambling exist in most cultures around the world and include: card games, dice games, betting on horse races, football accumulators and lottery tickets. People of all ages can develop problems with gambling and it affects individuals from every race, religion and socioeconomic level. It can be a major problem for families, ruin relationships and lead to financial difficulty, homelessness or even suicide.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of gambling addiction and seek treatment before it is too late. There are many treatment options available, including individual and family counseling, support groups, education, therapy and self-help programs like Gamblers Anonymous. Treatment includes learning healthier ways to cope with unpleasant emotions and relieve boredom, such as exercising, spending time with friends who do not gamble, taking up new hobbies and practicing relaxation techniques. In addition, a therapist can help you understand the causes of your gambling problems and work through underlying issues such as depression or anxiety. There are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of gambling disorders. However, some medications may help treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.
Research shows that when an individual gambles, their brain’s reward system is stimulated, just as with alcohol and drugs. This overstimulation can reduce the pleasure a person feels when they lose and cause them to want to gamble more in order to feel good again.
Some people who have problems with gambling are unable to stop even when they are losing money or their lives are in danger. They may lie to their family members, hide their bills or even steal to cover their losses. They often spend much of their spare time gambling and find it hard to relax or socialize without gambling. They can also become secretive about their behavior, feeling that others will not understand or that they are just “lucky”.
The media often portrays gambling as glamorous, sexy and fun and this can encourage people to try it. Problem gamblers are often young and male and from all social classes, ethnicities and religions. It is estimated that over half of the UK population takes part in some form of gambling.
For some people, gambling is a way to make money, but for others it can be a source of stress, anxiety and depression. They might also have trouble concentrating at work, in school and in their personal life. They might also experience financial difficulties, debt and bankruptcy. Problem gamblers can also hurt their children and families, ruin relationships and even commit crimes.
If you have a friend or family member with a gambling problem, it is important to recognize that they cannot be controlled by you. If you cannot control them, take steps to protect yourself and your finances by setting boundaries. Seek out support for yourself; call a gambling helpline or attend a meeting of a group for family members, such as Gam-Anon.
