Gambling is an activity where people risk money or other valuables on the outcome of an event that depends on chance, such as a football match or scratchcard. If the gambler predicts the outcome correctly, he or she wins the amount staked. Gambling also involves a complex process that involves the brain’s reward centers. These chemicals release a feeling of pleasure when triggered, and this makes it difficult to stop gambling, even when it causes problems in other areas of life. Several factors contribute to the development of gambling disorders, including personality traits and coexisting mental health conditions.
Most studies about the effects of gambling have focused on negative outcomes, such as financial loss for gamblers and their significant others. However, these studies lack an approach that considers a wide range of costs and benefits, both visible and invisible. In order to better understand the full impact of gambling, researchers need a holistic and public health approach.
A key part of this approach is to compare personal and interpersonal costs and benefits using a common definition of these terms. This will allow comparisons across different gambling policies and help inform decision-making. Individual costs and benefits are invisible, while society/community-level external impacts are mostly monetary, but can include general cost/benefits, costs related to problem gambling, and long-term cost/benefits.
Gambling can have many positive impacts for individuals and communities, such as promoting socialization, creating jobs, and increasing tourism revenue. However, it is important to recognize that gambling can be harmful when it is abused or used as an escape from stressors in one’s life. In addition, the comorbidity of gambling and other addictive behaviors such as substance abuse may further increase the risks for gambling disorder.
Identifying the signs that gambling is no longer an occasional hobby or pastime, but has become an addiction is important for all of us. Problem gambling is often referred to as the “hidden addiction” because there are few physical symptoms of its presence, unlike with alcohol or drug abuse. Fortunately, there are many ways to help a friend or loved one break free from this dangerous habit.
Start by reducing their access to funds, such as by limiting credit cards, closing online betting accounts, or allowing a trusted friend or family member to be in charge of household finances. Next, encourage them to develop other sources of entertainment and relaxation. This could be through hobbies, exercise, spending time with friends and family, or even reading a book or watching television.
Finally, consider therapy options, such as psychotherapy, which is a set of treatment techniques that aim to change unhealthy emotions and thoughts. This form of treatment is available through a variety of professional settings and takes place with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychologist or clinical social worker. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any medications to treat gambling disorders, the use of psychotherapy can be a helpful tool in breaking the vicious cycle of addiction.