Gambling involves betting something of value, usually money, on an event whose outcome depends on chance and is not known beforehand. It has been practiced by many societies for centuries and has had both positive and negative social, family, economic and personal consequences. Problem gambling is an addictive behavior that interferes with normal functioning, causing serious distress and posing a significant health risk.
A gambling addiction causes an intense craving for the “high” that comes from winning, as well as the devastating ”low” that accompanies losing. The ”high” of winning is not only emotional, but also financially rewarding, while the ”low” of losing can be devastating. Some people who develop a gambling addiction have another psychiatric disorder such as depression, anxiety or substance use disorders, and this can make it harder to control their urges.
Whether you have an alcohol or drug addiction or a gambling problem, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible because the longer you gamble the worse the problem will get. Treatment options may include self-help programs such as Gamblers Anonymous (patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous) and cognitive-behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to resist unwanted thoughts and behaviors. In addition, your therapist may recommend medications such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers.
Your genetics and environment can also play a role in whether you develop an addictive disorder. Several studies show that individuals with certain genotypes are predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviours and impulsiveness, which may contribute to the development of gambling addiction. There are also genetic differences in the areas of your brain that regulate reward processing and impulse control, which can impact how you respond to gambling.
The community in which you live can also influence how much you gamble and how susceptible you are to developing a problem. The availability of casinos in your area, the type of gambling available, and local attitudes toward gambling can all affect your level of involvement.
People with lower incomes are more likely to have a gambling problem, and young people are particularly susceptible. Often these individuals are already struggling with financial problems such as unpaid bills or credit card debts that have built up to staggering levels. Sometimes they turn to payday loans, or even to stealing from loved ones, in order to cover their debts and continue gambling. This can exacerbate the problem and make it hard to recover. It’s also important to learn healthy ways of relieving unpleasant feelings like boredom, loneliness and stress – such as exercising, spending time with non-gambling friends, or taking up a new hobby. If you’re unsure where to start, ask your doctor for recommendations or visit our Self-Help section for more information. You can also find support online by joining a gambling recovery group such as Gamblers Anonymous or participating in peer-support programs such as those based on the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous. This will help you connect with others who are facing the same challenges and share their own experiences of recovering from a gambling problem.