Most individuals participate in gambling, and most do so without serious problems. However, a small percentage of gamblers develop problematic behaviours that interfere with their daily lives and cause substantial personal, family, social and financial harm. These behaviours are called gambling disorder, and they are recognised by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition).
Gambling is an activity in which you risk something of value on an event that is determined partly or entirely by chance, such as a football match or a scratchcard. In order to win, you must predict the outcome correctly and bet against the odds – the more money you put on a bet, the higher the potential payout. If you are unable to control your spending, gambling can become a huge problem that affects all areas of your life.
People gamble for a number of reasons, including mood change and the dream of winning a jackpot. In addition, gambling activates feelings of euphoria linked to the brain’s reward system. However, these feelings may also make it difficult to stop gambling once you’ve started. Moreover, some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity, which can lead to problem gambling.
Many people struggle with depression or other mood disorders, which can be triggered by and made worse by compulsive gambling. This can be especially troubling for loved ones, who often feel that they don’t understand the gambling problem and are unable to help. In addition, depression can make the lows after a gambling spree feel more intense, leading to increased urges to gamble in order to feel better.
Despite these negative effects, there are some positive aspects to gambling, such as socializing and improving mental development. Moreover, some casinos offer free drinks and food to their patrons, which can be a great way to get people into the casino and increase sales. However, these positive aspects should not be seen as a reason to gamble; in fact, it is important for individuals to find alternative ways of entertainment and to limit the amount of time they spend gambling.
Gambling can damage your relationships and career, which can have long-term effects on your quality of life. You might even start to lie or break promises to your friends and family. Financial difficulties can also build up quickly – it is common for problem gamblers to take out pay day loans or to borrow from loved ones in an attempt to cover debts. This can have a profound impact on your self-esteem and create tension in your relationships, which can be difficult to repair. It is also important to seek therapy if you have been struggling with gambling problems. There are a number of different types of therapy available, including individual, family and marriage counselling, as well as credit and debt counseling. The key is to address the underlying mood disorders that are driving your gambling behaviour. You can also get support from a peer group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.
