Gambling is the betting of something of value (usually money) on an event whose outcome depends on chance, with the intention of winning some other thing of value. The event may be a game, a contest, or an uncertain event whose result is determined by chance or accident, even though skill or knowledge are involved in its execution.
It is estimated that most adults and adolescents gamble at some point in their lives. Many gamble without problems, but a significant subset of those who gamble develop gambling disorder, defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a recurrent pattern of gambling behavior that causes distress or impairment.
People with gambling disorder often feel a strong urge to continue betting and spend money even when they are losing, have trouble stopping the activity even when it is causing problems for them or their family, and lie about how much they gamble. Almost anyone who gambles can develop a problem, but people with low incomes are particularly susceptible to developing the disorder. It is also more common in men and young people.
Most experts agree that the key to understanding gambling disorders is the connection between gambling and impulsiveness. People with gambling disorders have a difficult time inhibiting their impulses, and are easily influenced by sensation-seeking (emotional responses to risky behavior), as well as negative emotions like anxiety, anger, and depression.
In addition, gambling is often a form of “reward seeking,” where the gambler seeks a rewarding feeling that comes from risk-taking and anticipating positive outcomes. People who engage in gambling often do so to get a rush of excitement, as evidenced by their high levels of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter that is released when they win money or a prize.
There are several steps a person can take to help them overcome a gambling problem. For example, they can strengthen their support network by making new friends who are not addicted to gambling, find other activities to do with their time, and get involved in community service work. They can also join a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a 12-step recovery program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Other helpful resources include a local gambling counselor and intensive treatment programs. People with a gambling problem can also benefit from family therapy and other types of counseling to address underlying mood disorders. In addition, they can set boundaries in how they manage their money and review their bank and credit card statements regularly to keep tabs on their spending. This can help them to stop spending money on gambling and repair their finances. They can also ask for help from a trusted friend or family member. Finally, they can try to improve their self-esteem by engaging in other healthy behaviors, such as exercising or taking up a hobby.
