Gambling is the betting or staking of something of value, usually money, on an event with uncertain outcomes. It can take place in a casino, on a sports field or in other public places, or even online. In order to be considered gambling, there are three elements that must be present: consideration, risk and a prize.
A lot of people gamble for fun, and there’s nothing wrong with that as long as they have a healthy relationship with money and don’t end up losing it all. However, there are some people who develop unhealthy gambling habits that can have devastating consequences for their family, finances, and relationships. It is important to seek help if you think you may have a problem with gambling.
Pathological gambling (PG) is characterized by recurrent maladaptive patterns of gambling behavior. The disorder typically starts during adolescence or young adulthood and is more common in men than in women. It can result in a variety of negative impacts on a person’s life, including:
People with a PG diagnosis are more likely to be poor than the general population, and may experience a greater degree of distress regarding their financial situation. They may also be more prone to thoughts of suicide and have higher levels of depression. They can also be more likely to engage in illegal activities, such as forgery and theft, to finance their gambling. They may also lie to family members, therapists or employers to conceal their gambling addiction.
Several types of treatment are available to those with a PG diagnosis, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This type of treatment can help change the way that a person thinks about betting and how they act when they want to gamble. It can help to address any beliefs or rituals that a person has around gambling, and it can teach them healthier ways to manage their money and emotions.
Research has shown that repeated exposure to gambling and uncertainty can trigger changes in the brain, similar to those triggered by drugs of abuse. These changes can affect reward pathways and make them hypersensitive. It can be hard to resist the temptation to gamble when you have these changes in your brain, and this is why it’s important to stay away from casinos and other forms of gambling when possible.
There is a link between mental health problems and harmful gambling, so it’s important to seek treatment if you have one of these conditions. Depression, anxiety and stress can all trigger or be made worse by compulsive gambling. It’s also worth addressing any underlying mood issues, such as self-harm or suicidal thoughts. If you’re struggling with debt, speak to StepChange for free debt advice. You can also try to strengthen your support network, and join a peer support group for gamblers, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on a 12-step program modelled after Alcoholics Anonymous. It can be tough to battle any addiction, but it’s easier if you have a strong support system.
