Gambling is risky, and it can be very addictive. Four in five Americans say they have gambled, and for millions of people the habit interferes with their daily lives. More effective treatment is needed because gambling is more acceptable and accessible than ever before.
Traditionally, gambling involves an element of chance and the purpose is to win money. It can involve anything from scratchcards to sports betting and casino games like roulette or blackjack. The internet and emerging technology have blurred the lines and expanded the ways people can gamble. While it’s hard to put a precise finger on the exact nature of problem gambling, some signs include a preoccupation with gambling, a loss of control over expenditure and chasing losses.
If you have a gambling problem, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Counselling can help you recognise your urges and think about how your gambling affects others. It can also help you find new ways to spend your time. There are no FDA-approved medications to treat gambling disorders, but research suggests that exercise, therapy and self-help groups can be helpful.
In addition, you should only gamble with disposable income and never use money that needs to be saved for bills or rent. It’s also worth setting money and time limits in advance and stopping as soon as you hit them. Try not to drink while you gamble, as this can impair your judgment. Free cocktails in a casino may seem tempting, but they are there to keep you playing for longer, and being inebriated makes it more likely that you will lose. Don’t get sucked into the trap of believing that you are due a win and will recoup your previous losses, this is known as the gambler’s fallacy.
Many people who gamble do so because they enjoy the thrill of a potential win. This is because when you gamble, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that causes a feel-good response. While this is a good thing for most people, it can become problematic when it is triggered by losing.
Those who gamble for fun do so because they enjoy the rush of winning and don’t consider it to be a serious addiction. But for those who are addicted, the desire to win is often stronger than their ability to resist it. When they gamble, their brains are wired to be stimulated by the reward of a win and they cannot control their actions. This can lead to a spiral of losses and debts that can be impossible to reverse.
In some cases, this can even lead to suicide. The most common reason for suicidal behaviour is financial difficulties, followed by depression or anxiety. Taking steps to overcome your gambling problem is vital to protect yourself and those around you. You can find support by talking to a friend or family member, joining a support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, or seeking professional counselling. There are also national and regional gambling helplines and support services available, and research shows that physical activity can help reduce the urge to gamble.
