Gambling is a popular pastime for many, but it can also be addictive and cause financial distress. It’s important to understand how gambling works, what types of gambling can be harmful and what steps are needed to overcome gambling addiction. We’re here to help.
In general, gambling involves placing something of value on an event that is at least partly determined by chance with the intent to win a prize. In some cases, skill or knowledge on the part of the player may play a role in the outcome, but the overall concept remains that there is a risk and an opportunity for reward. Despite this broad definition, there are many different kinds of gambling. Some are legal, while others are not. Some involve real money, while others do not. Some people gamble in a casino setting, while others do so with their friends and family in private. Whether it’s a game of poker, spades or blackjack, bets on football games or horse races, or even the lottery, all forms of gambling can potentially lead to problems.
While most adults and adolescents have gambled at some point, a subset of those individuals develops gambling disorder, which is recognized as a mental health condition. The disorder is characterized by damaging or disrupting a person’s life, often affecting their career and relationships. Those with lower incomes are more likely to develop the problem, but it can affect anyone who gambles and is not careful. Young people, especially boys and men, are also at a greater risk for developing the disorder.
A key step in recovering from gambling disorder is finding healthier activities to replace the compulsion to gamble. Individuals with the disorder should surround themselves with people who hold them accountable, set boundaries in managing their finances and close their online betting accounts. They should also avoid tempting environments and websites, and keep a fixed amount of cash on them at all times.
Managing a loved one with problem gambling can be difficult, but there are a number of resources available to help. Reaching out to a support group can help you realize that you are not alone and provide an environment where you can share your experiences with others. It is also important to set firm boundaries in terms of money management and ensure that your own credit is not at risk.
A gambling addiction is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach to recovery. A combination of behavioral and psychophysiological interventions may be needed to treat the disorder, but it is important that you seek help if you think that your or someone you know has a gambling problem. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists 10 warning signs of compulsive gambling. These include tolerance (a need to wager larger amounts in order to experience excitement), withdrawal (restlessness when trying to cut down or stop gambling), preoccupation with gambling, and loss of control.