Whether it’s playing slots in Vegas, betting on the next big horse race or trying your luck with online casino games, gambling is an exciting activity that many people love to do. However, for some, it’s a dangerous habit that leads to financial and emotional problems. Problem gambling is a mental health disorder that affects all aspects of life. It can lead to destructive behaviors that disrupt relationships, careers and daily functioning. It’s also a risk factor for developing a substance use disorder. Here’s what you need to know about this condition.
What is Gambling?
The definition of gambling is wagering something of value, including money or possessions, on a random event with the intent to win something else of value. It involves the risk of losing and the potential for gaining, which requires consideration, risk and a prize. Gambling is a social activity that can be enjoyed by individuals of any age, but it is often more common in younger people due to the brain’s development stage.
Gambling has been around for centuries and is a popular past time in many cultures worldwide. It was brought to America by Columbus and has been a part of American culture since. People like to gamble because it is an exciting way to experience a rush of excitement and anticipation. However, a small percentage of individuals become seriously involved in the behavior and develop problem gambling that is disruptive to their personal and professional lives. This is referred to as pathological gambling and is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Some individuals use gambling as a social activity with friends and family, while others do it to relieve boredom, stress or depression. The media portrays gambling as fun, sexy and glamorous, making it an appealing activity to many individuals. Others use it as a distraction to avoid thinking about other issues in their lives and are triggered to gamble by certain situations, such as an argument with a spouse or an empty bank account.
It is important to recognize the warning signs of problem gambling in order to stop the behavior before it gets out of control. Warning signs include lying to a loved one or therapist about the extent of involvement in gambling; committing illegal acts such as forgery, theft and embezzlement to fund gambling activities; chasing losses and spending more money than you have won; and being preoccupied with thoughts of gambling.
It’s helpful to replace problematic gambling with equally stimulating activities, such as exercise, meditation and yoga. These activities can help individuals learn how to better manage their emotions and focus on the present moment. It’s also recommended to limit the amount of money you are willing to spend and not take out loans or credit cards for gambling purposes. Additionally, it’s a good idea to stay away from alcohol and other drugs, as they can impact the brain’s reward system and trigger gambling behaviors.