How Gambling Affects Personal and Family Life
Gambling is an activity in which people place a bet on something of value, such as money or goods, against the risk of losing it. The term ‘gambling’ encompasses a wide range of activities, from lotteries and scratchcards to casino games, sports betting and online gambling sites. Some people develop an addiction to gambling, which can have serious personal and family consequences.
A study published in Psychiatry Research found that gamblers are more likely to have psychological and social problems than people who don’t gamble. Researchers believe that this is due to the fact that those who gamble are more prone to thrill-seeking behaviours, and can have difficulty controlling their impulses and weighing risks. Other factors that contribute to a person’s vulnerability to gambling-related problems include genetics, brain structure and how the brain processes reward information.
While some people gamble to pass the time, others do so in order to meet a variety of needs. These needs may be emotional, social or financial. The most common reason to gamble is the desire for a rush of dopamine, which is similar to the feeling one gets when taking drugs. Gambling also offers the illusion of control over events that are unpredictable and uncontrollable, making it an attractive way to relieve stress and tension.
Many people feel that gambling is a fun and exciting pastime, but when the activity becomes out of control, it can cause significant harm to a person’s health. Problem gambling can result in debts that build up quickly, causing people to hide their activity and lie about how much they are spending. It can also affect a person’s relationships and make them depressed or anxious.
The effects of gambling can also be exacerbated by cultural beliefs and values. Some cultures see gambling as a normal pastime, which can make it difficult to recognise that the activity is out of hand. This can be particularly the case in families, where there are shared thoughts and values about gambling and what is acceptable.
If you are concerned that you or a family member is struggling with a gambling problem, there are many organisations which offer help, assistance and counselling. Depending on the organisation, they may use cognitive behavioural therapy to explore your beliefs about gambling and how it makes you feel. Alternatively, they may offer peer support and other techniques to encourage recovery. It is important to note that the support and assistance offered by these organisations is a complement to, not a substitute for, professional treatment. For example, they can help you to develop strategies to deal with urges to gamble and to find other ways to spend your spare time. They can also help you to manage your finances, if necessary. This will involve setting limits on how much you are prepared to gamble, and ensuring that you don’t borrow money to fund your gambling. They can also help you to address any mental health issues that may be contributing to your gambling.