Gambling is an activity in which individuals risk something of value (money, property, or other assets) on an event whose outcome is uncertain. People gamble in order to win more than they have put at risk, whether the winnings are money or a physical prize. Problem gambling can lead to significant personal, social and financial costs for those affected.
Although a popular and legal activity, gambling can have negative consequences for the health and well-being of some people, including:
The prevalence of gambling disorders is relatively high, but there is limited research into how to diagnose and treat these conditions. Many researchers believe that it is important to understand the underlying causes of gambling problems before developing effective treatment methods.
A number of studies suggest that gambling is a highly addictive activity and is associated with various adverse outcomes, including the loss of money or other valuables, a negative impact on relationships, psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety) and substance misuse, and legal issues such as bankruptcy and criminal behaviour. Gambling may also cause problems with work and family life.
Despite the risks, some people find it difficult to stop gambling or limit their spending, even after realising that they have a problem. A common reaction is to minimise the extent of the problem and attempt to hide their addiction. For example, they might lie to family members or therapists about how much they spend on gambling or try to conceal evidence of gambling activities. They might also start to isolate themselves from friends, or find new ways to socialise that do not involve visiting gambling venues.
The behavioural treatments available for pathological gambling have had varying degrees of success, in part because of the different underlying assumptions about the etiology of the disorder. Some treatments are based on integrated approaches and include cognitive-behavioural therapy and motivational enhancement techniques. However, these have shown only modest benefits and it is important to identify the underlying cause of gambling problems in order to develop more effective interventions.
The first step in tackling gambling problems is to strengthen your support network. If you have a strong support system, it can be easier to stay away from gambling and make other lifestyle changes. This can include seeking out counselling, such as family or individual therapy, and reducing the risk factors for gambling addiction, such as credit card use and carrying large amounts of cash. It can also help to take up a new hobby or recreational activity and fill the void that gambling has left in your life. You can also join a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is a 12-step program modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous and provides invaluable guidance and support. It is important to note that overcoming a gambling addiction can be a long and difficult process, but it is possible with the right help. If you are concerned that someone you know has a gambling problem, see a professional counsellor or psychologist.