Gambling involves wagering something of value on an event with uncertain outcome, such as a roll of the dice, a spin of a roulette wheel, or a horse race. People often gamble as a way to unwind, socialize with friends, or relieve unpleasant feelings such as loneliness or stress. But there are healthier ways to do these things, including spending time with friends who don’t gamble, exercising, taking up a new hobby, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Whether gambling in person or online, your brain is flooded with dopamine if you win, and this reward can become addictive. When you gamble too much, your body and mind may stop receiving the pleasure you once got from the activity, causing it to feel more like work than a pastime. It is important to recognize when gambling is no longer fun and to seek help if you’re concerned about your gambling behavior.
Problematic gambling is a serious mental health issue that can cause significant harms to your life, family, and career. It is defined as a pattern of gambling behavior that meets the following criteria: (1) you have lost control of your gambling; (2) you gamble to escape from stress or boredom; (3) you lie to family members, therapists, or other trusted adults about your gambling habit; (4) you have tried to recover money by gambling again immediately after a loss (chasing losses); and (5) you have committed illegal acts, such as forgery or fraud, to fund your gambling.
Many different types of gambling exist, and some are more risky than others. However, there are some common factors that can lead to problems with gambling, such as a predominance of chance and the misperception that gambling is a low-risk, high-reward entertainment choice.
People with underlying mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression, are also more likely to develop problematic gambling. They may have trouble distinguishing between the excitement of winning and the disappointment of losing, and they can be especially prone to self-medication with drugs and alcohol.
The best way to overcome a gambling addiction is to get support from friends and family. You can also join a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. Finally, you can seek professional therapy, such as individual and family therapy, marital and career counseling, and financial assistance. In addition to treating the underlying mood disorder, these therapies will help you cope with other life stresses and learn healthy ways to relax and socialize. By addressing all of these issues, you can stop gambling and enjoy life again. You may also want to consider a treatment program that involves cognitive behavioral therapy and medications, such as nefazodone or clomipramine. In this type of treatment, you’ll be taught to identify triggers and avoid situations that prompt you to gamble. You’ll also learn how to deal with negative emotions and build a strong support network to stop gambling for good. If you struggle with gambling, you’re not alone: Approximately 5% of adults and adolescents develop a gambling disorder.
