Many people have gambled at some point in their lives, but a small percentage of them develop problems. Problem gambling is a psychological disorder that can be characterized by a range of symptoms and signs, including compulsion to gamble and a negative impact on a person’s life. It can also cause serious legal and financial problems, including bankruptcy, homelessness, and relationship issues.
Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event that is largely determined by chance, where instances of strategy are discounted. It has existed in every society since prerecorded history and has been incorporated into local customs, rites of passage, and even religions. In modern times, the term “gambling” most commonly refers to monetary bets on activities that are not solely dependent on skill. This can include placing a bet on a football match, buying a scratchcard, or even playing online poker.
Research in the area of gambling has focused mainly on the development of risk-taking behavior and the effects of these behaviors. However, it is important to recognize that the emergence of a gambling disorder is not only dependent upon risk-taking but also on a number of factors that affect impulse control, such as sensation-and novelty-seeking, arousal, and negative emotionality.
One of the most important aspects of preventing gambling addiction is to learn healthier ways to manage unpleasant feelings. For example, if you are often tempted to gamble as a way to relieve boredom or loneliness, try other activities such as exercising, spending time with friends who do not gamble, or taking up a new hobby.
Another important aspect is to set boundaries in managing your money, and to take a close look at bank and credit card statements. Many people with a gambling problem have difficulty controlling their spending and are compelled to keep betting in the hopes that they will turn things around. Moreover, people who are attracted to the high-reward, low-risk nature of gambling can become addicted to this activity even though it is known that the majority of games are losses.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines compulsive gambling as an impulse control disorder and lists 10 warning signs of this condition. These include: a desire to gamble at all costs; repeated unsuccessful efforts to stop or cut back gambling; lying to family members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling; jeopardizing a significant relationship, job, educational, or career opportunity because of gambling; and relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling. In addition, people who have a gambling disorder may be at risk for developing other behavioral problems and substance use disorders. These problems can be difficult to treat and require the help of trained professionals. Fortunately, there are many treatment programs available to individuals with gambling disorders, and recovery is possible. A comprehensive rehabilitation program will focus on both individual and group counseling, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy and relapse prevention.