Gambling Addiction – How to Recognise When Gambling Has Become a Problem

Whether you’re buying a lottery ticket, placing a bet on a horse race or scratchcard, or playing online casino games, gambling involves risking something of value (money, typically) on an event with an element of chance. The goal is to win a larger prize than you spent.

Gambling has both positive and negative effects on society. Economically, it provides jobs and tax revenue for governments. It also provides opportunities for people to socialise and gain confidence. It is not without risks, though, and can lead to addiction. It may also be a trigger for mood disorders like depression or stress, and can make existing problems worse.

People gamble for many reasons: the adrenaline rush, the chance to win, or as a way to socialise. For some, it becomes an unhealthy habit that can cause them to lose money and even break relationships. It is important to recognise when gambling has become a problem, and get help for it.

Research into the psychology of gambling has revealed that some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity. Those who are more at risk of developing an addiction to gambling have a less active brain reward system, which affects their ability to control impulses and weigh the cost/benefit of a bet. Other factors that contribute to an individual’s likelihood of becoming addicted to gambling include a family history of gambling problems, childhood trauma or abuse, poor financial management skills and a lack of healthy coping mechanisms.

Psychiatric treatment for gambling addiction has historically focused on reducing the urge to gamble and increasing motivation to pursue other activities. However, in recent years, the psychiatric community has shifted to focus on preventing or treating pathological gambling. This change reflects an increased awareness of the role of biology and the environment in gambling addiction, as well as advances in understanding the nature and treatment of mental illness.

There are a number of effective treatments available for gambling disorder. These include psychodynamic therapy, which looks at unconscious processes and helps you understand how past behavior influences your present behavior. Group therapy is another option, which can give you moral support and motivate you to quit. It can also teach you coping skills and provide an opportunity to strengthen your support network. You can also join a support group for compulsive gamblers, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on a 12-step recovery model similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.

Getting help for a gambling disorder is not easy, especially if you’ve lost money or strained relationships as a result of your addiction. But it’s worth remembering that other people have overcome this problem, and you can too. If you’re struggling financially, visit StepChange for free debt advice. The biggest step is admitting you have a problem, which can take tremendous strength and courage. Then, you can take action to address it. This might involve seeing a psychiatrist, talking to friends and family members, or trying self-help tips.