Gambling Disorders

Gambling involves a wagering of something of value, usually money, on an event whose outcome is determined by chance or accident, with the hope of winning something of greater value. Some examples of gambling games include dice, card games, roulette, baccarat, lottery and horse racing. Gambling also may refer to activities involving skill, such as poker or sports betting, where knowledge can improve a bettor’s chances of winning. While most people enjoy gambling as a recreational activity, for some individuals the behavior becomes harmful and interferes with their life functioning. In the United States, state and local governments collect about $35 billion annually from taxes on gambling. This amount represents about 1 percent of total state and local government revenues.

Several factors contribute to the development of gambling disorders. Many of these factors are related to psychological issues. For example, people with gambling disorders often have poor coping skills. They often use gambling as a way to avoid or cope with stressful events in their lives. Additionally, they frequently experience a low sense of self-esteem and a lack of belonging. This can lead to feelings of shame and guilt. Lastly, they may feel powerless over their gambling behavior and believe that it is out of their control.

In addition to causing psychological problems, gambling can cause serious financial difficulties. In some cases, individuals develop an addiction to gambling to the point that they cannot control their spending or stop losing. In these cases, the disorder is sometimes referred to as pathological gambling or compulsive gambling. Gambling disorder is classified as a behavioral addiction in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association.

There are a number of different treatments for gambling disorder. These include psychotherapy, family therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Psychotherapy involves working with a licensed mental health professional to address unhealthy emotions and thoughts that are contributing to the problem. Family therapy can help families learn how to support their loved ones who have a gambling disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people change their negative beliefs and behaviors associated with gambling. In some cases, patients can benefit from the use of medications to treat gambling disorder. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not currently approve any medications to treat gambling disorder. Therefore, most of the treatment options for gambling disorders are psychotherapy and other therapeutic interventions. In order to make the best decision about which treatment is appropriate for your situation, it is important to discuss the matter with a qualified mental health professional.