How to Recognise a Gambling Problem
Gambling is an activity in which people place bets on the outcome of events. It can take many forms, from betting on a football game to scratchcards, but it all involves making a choice and then putting something at risk (money). The goal is to win money or other prizes, but the odds of winning are always against you. This makes gambling a dangerous activity when it becomes an addiction, as it leads to a loss of control. It can also lead to other problems such as alcohol misuse, depression and even suicide in advanced cases.
Problem gambling can occur in anyone, from any walk of life. It can be a harmless distraction, but it can also strain relationships and ruin careers and financial lives. Whether you bet on sports, horse racing or slot machines, it is easy to get sucked into a vicious circle of spending more and more money and getting more and more upset when your losses mount. It can be extremely hard to recognise a gambling problem, especially when it affects those closest to you.
Most people gamble responsibly, but a small group of individuals become seriously involved in the activity, with negative social, family and work consequences. This behaviour is often described as pathological gambling, and it is classified as a disorder within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition. Pathological gambling includes a spectrum of disorders that range from those who are at risk for developing serious problems, to those whose behaviors meet the criteria for pathological gambling in DSM-IV.
Some of the risk factors for developing a gambling disorder include a family history of addiction, gender and age. Males are more likely to develop a problem than females, and the younger someone starts gambling, the more they can become addicted. There are also biological factors that can play a role, including differences in how the brain processes reward information and impulses, as well as genetic predisposition to thrill-seeking behavior and impulsivity.
There are several different types of help available for those with a gambling problem, including self-help groups and support programmes. Those who are more severely affected may require hospital or residential treatment, with some programmes offering round-the-clock care. It is important to also seek help for any underlying mood disorders that might be contributing to the problem, such as depression or anxiety.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has a gambling problem, it is important to talk about it. Seek help from a family therapist or support group, and try to find other ways to spend your time, such as exercise or hobbies. It is also worth talking to a psychiatrist, as some can offer advice and counselling on how to stop gambling. Some have specific expertise in treating gambling addiction, and can provide medication. This can help to keep gambling under control, and may prevent relapse. It is also a good idea to get legal help, as some states have laws aimed at helping those with gambling problems.