Gambling is an activity in which you place something of value (like money or a ticket) on the outcome of a game of chance. It can be done legally and illegally. Some people find gambling enjoyable, while others develop a problem. If you think someone you know has a gambling problem, there are organisations that can help.
Generally speaking, people gamble for social or recreational reasons, for money, and/or for entertainment. They may also do it to avoid boredom, or as a form of escape from problems and stresses in their lives. People who gamble for money do so for a variety of reasons, including wanting to win a large amount of money, and/or being able to use the prize money to solve other financial problems. Some people even gamble for a rush or ‘high’, which can be addictive and cause a lot of harm.
People may try to stop their gambling habits by reducing the amount of time they spend playing, or by trying to cut back on their spending. However, it can be difficult to break the habit for some people. People who are addicted to gambling often lie about how much they spend, and they may hide their betting activity from family and friends. This can lead to strained relationships, and sometimes even bankruptcy.
Some people have a hard time admitting they have a problem, which makes it even more difficult to get help. Depending on the severity of the problem, some people are referred to a therapist or psychiatrist who specialises in gambling addiction. During treatment, people learn to recognise unhealthy thoughts and behaviors associated with gambling, and ways to replace them with more constructive ones. They may also learn to deal with the underlying issues that contribute to their compulsive gambling.
It’s important to remember that you should only gamble with money that you can afford to lose. Never borrow money to gamble, and don’t use credit cards. Don’t chase your losses, as this is called the “gambler’s fallacy”. This is when you believe that you are due for a big win and will recoup all of your lost money, and it doesn’t work that way.
Some people have an underlying mental health issue that can contribute to their gambling disorder, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment options include medication and therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you to replace unhealthy gambling behaviors with more productive ones, and can also help you resolve relationship, employment, and credit issues caused by your problem gambling. CBT is effective for most compulsive gamblers, and is generally used in conjunction with other treatments. It is particularly useful for people with a history of recurrent gambling-related problems, and those who have tried to stop gambling in the past but have relapsed. It is particularly effective in treating young people and those with co-occurring disorders. It is also a good option for people who have not had a previous substance abuse disorder.