Gambling is the placing of something of value (a bet) on an event with the possibility of winning something else of value, usually money. It is a major global activity, with a rough estimate of $10 trillion in annual worldwide legal gambling turnover and an even greater amount of illegal wagering. It can be done with cash, electronic chips or other materials such as marbles and collectible cards in games like Pogs and Magic: The Gathering.
The main reasons people gamble include the desire for a change in mood, and the excitement of possible jackpot wins, both of which are linked to the brain’s reward system. People also gamble as a way to socialize, relieve boredom and stress, or to try to improve their financial situation.
While some people may be able to control their gambling, others are at risk of developing an addiction and can end up losing money and even destroying their lives. In some cases, a combination of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety can lead to harmful gambling behaviors, and it is important for anyone who has a mental illness to seek treatment.
Several behavioral therapies have been developed to treat gambling disorders, including cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. However, they are not yet widely available, and evidence of their effectiveness is limited. In some cases, psychodynamic or hypnotherapy might be used to explore unconscious processes that contribute to addictive behavior. In addition to psychological therapy, group or family therapy can be useful in educating family members about the disorder and creating more stable relationships.
There are no FDA-approved medications for treating gambling disorders, but some antidepressants and certain antipsychotics might help in the short term. For long-term treatment, it’s recommended to find a therapist who can use evidence-based techniques and tailor treatment to your specific needs.
Many people with gambling problems have been successful in overcoming their addictions with the help of family, friends and peer support groups. One option is to join a self-help program, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a 12-step model similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also online support groups for those with gambling disorders, which can be an excellent source of encouragement and advice from other people who have successfully overcome their addictions.
The biggest step in overcoming a gambling problem is admitting that you have a problem. It takes tremendous strength and courage to do this, especially if you have lost a lot of money or strained relationships because of your gambling. It’s also helpful to strengthen your support network and find healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as exercise, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or taking up new hobbies. You can also speak to an advisor at StepChange for free debt advice, and learn more about responsible gambling from The Responsible Gambling Council.
