Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event involving chance, where instances of skill are discounted. The result of the event can be a win or a loss. It is not unusual for people to become addicted to gambling, and the effects of this addiction can be severe. Many people find themselves in serious financial trouble, and some have even committed suicide because of a gambling problem.
It is important to recognise that you may have a problem and seek help. There are a number of organisations that can offer support, assistance and counselling for people who have a gambling problem. They can help you to control your gambling, or stop it altogether. They can also offer support to your family and friends who are affected by your gambling.
The understanding of the adverse consequences of excessive gambling has undergone a dramatic change. Previously, those who had problems with gambling were often viewed as gamblers with problems; today, we understand that they have psychological problems. This change has been reflected in, and stimulated by, the evolving clinical classification and description of pathological gambling in the various editions, between 1980 and 1994, of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (called DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Whether you place your bets in a casino, on a football match or on a scratchcard, the outcome will depend on the randomness of chance. A bettor’s knowledge of betting strategies or his or her appreciation of horse racing, for example, can increase the chances of winning, but the basic mechanism remains the same: putting money at risk on an event with an uncertain outcome.
Most adults and adolescents have placed some kind of bet, and most do so without any problems. However, a small percentage of those who engage in gambling go on to develop pathological gambling. Some of the factors that contribute to this include a tendency to expect an early big win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity, a poor understanding of random events, use of escape coping, and stressful life experiences.
Another factor is the brain’s release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that increases when you win and decreases when you lose. This chemical response may reinforce a person’s tendency to keep gambling, even after they have lost a significant amount of money.
Finally, it is important to seek treatment for underlying mood disorders such as depression or anxiety, which can trigger or make worse gambling problems. Seeking therapy for these underlying mood disorders can help you cope with stressful life events and reduce your urges to gamble. It can also help repair relationships with family and friends, and rebuild your self-esteem. In addition, there are a number of organisations that offer residential or inpatient rehabilitation programs for people who are addicted to gambling. These are usually based in private facilities and provide around-the-clock support. This is particularly useful for those with severe gambling addictions. Many of these programs offer marriage, family and career counseling, as well as credit counseling.