Gambling involves putting something of value on an event that relies on chance, such as betting on a football game or buying a scratchcard. If you win, you get the money you staked, but if you lose, you forfeit your money. People gamble for a variety of reasons, from social to financial, and it can become an addictive behavior. Some people can walk away after a few rounds of poker or coins in a slot machine, but others struggle to stop and end up with serious problems. Often, gambling is used to self-soothe unpleasant emotions or relieve boredom, but there are healthier ways to do these things. You can try exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or trying a new hobby.
The brain’s reward centres are activated when you bet, making you feel good and giving you a temporary high. This is why it’s so hard to quit, even when you’re losing. The reward centres are connected to the prefrontal cortex, which controls decision-making and is responsible for impulse control. When you’re gambling, the prefrontal cortex is less active, which means you’re more likely to make poor decisions and be unable to control your urges.
A number of factors can cause a person to develop a problem with gambling, including family history and childhood trauma. It can also be triggered by financial difficulties, relationship problems, mental health issues and substance misuse. It’s important to seek treatment if you think you have a gambling problem. It’s a complex issue, and there are a lot of different types of help available. Some services provide support and assistance for individuals experiencing harm from gambling, while others focus on education, prevention, and treatment.
It’s important to know the warning signs of a gambling problem. It’s not just about how much you lose, it’s about whether it’s interfering with your life in other ways too – such as your job, relationships and physical or mental health. Often, it’s a combination of all of these that signals a problem.
Most people don’t realise that gambling is a dangerous activity, and it can be difficult to admit you have a problem. You may hide your gambling habits or lie about how much you spend, because you’re afraid of what other people will think or fear that you might be judged. You might also have a tendency to up your bets in order to ‘win back’ previous losses, which is known as negative reinforcement.
If you’re worried about a friend or family member, there are many effective treatments for problem gambling. Encourage them to take advantage of these resources, and help them find the best solution for their unique situation. They can access support, advice and counselling services that can help them change harmful gambling behaviours and repair their lives. They can also receive family therapy and credit, debt, marriage or career counselling if necessary. This will help them work through the other issues that have been caused by their gambling.