The Adverse Effects of Gambling
Gambling is a recreational activity where an individual puts something of value, such as money or items of value, at risk in a bid to win something else of value. The term ‘gambling’ can be applied to a wide range of activities, including placing bets on sports events, playing casino games, betting on horse races or even buying lottery tickets. However, most people who gamble do so responsibly and for a variety of reasons. Some may gamble to socialize with friends, others do so to relax or de-stress and yet others do so for the thrill of winning big. The adverse effects of gambling usually come about when it is out of control.
Problem gambling affects people from all walks of life and across all age groups. It can impact physical and mental health, relationships, work performance, and study. In severe cases, it can lead to financial ruin and crime. The good news is that there are treatment and recovery programs for those with a gambling addiction. These programs typically involve inpatient or residential care and support for those struggling with an urge to gamble.
A number of factors can contribute to a person’s vulnerability to gambling problems, such as an underactive brain reward system, genetic predisposition for thrill-seeking behavior and impulsivity, family history of a gambling problem and a culture that values gambling as an acceptable pastime. Problem gambling can also be a symptom of underlying mood disorders, including depression or anxiety. Approximately 4% of people being treated for substance use disorder have gambling problems, and up to 7% of psychiatric inpatients have a gambling disorder.
In addition to treating the underlying mood disorder, it is important to remove triggers that can cause compulsive gambling. These triggers can include boredom, loneliness, stress and anxiety, negative thoughts and feelings, or a desire to escape. To remove these triggers, try engaging in other activities that can provide the same reward as gambling, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, taking up a new hobby, or practicing relaxation techniques.
If a person is struggling with an addiction to gambling, they should seek help immediately. They can talk to their doctor about it, or they can go online and take the BetterHelp assessment, which matches them with a therapist who can help.
A person who is addicted to gambling should consider joining a support group for people with gambling issues, such as Gamblers Anonymous. This is a 12-step program that follows the same principles as Alcoholics Anonymous and can help them to overcome their addiction. It can be tough to quit gambling, especially if you’ve lost a lot of money or damaged your relationships. But don’t give up hope, there are many people who have overcome this type of addiction and rebuilt their lives. The first step is admitting that you have a problem, which can be tough for those who are in denial or have suffered significant losses.