Gambling involves risking something of value — money, assets or reputation — on the outcome of a random event that can’t be controlled. It is often seen as a fun activity with many social, mental and skill development benefits but can also lead to addiction. Problem gambling can affect anyone regardless of their economic status, cultural background or level of education. Some people may be at a higher risk for developing a gambling addiction due to certain genes, medical history or environmental factors.
When an individual starts to lose control of their gambling, they may begin hiding money or lying about how much time and money they’re spending on the activity. This behaviour is a warning sign that a person has begun to develop an addiction to gambling. Once the negative effects start to outweigh the entertainment value, it’s important for individuals to seek help.
A therapist can teach you how to break the cycle of unhealthy gambling behaviors and thoughts, and how to stop seeking out pleasure from risk-taking activities. This type of therapy is called cognitive-behavioral therapy and it focuses on changing the ways in which an individual thinks about gambling, such as by replacing false beliefs with truthful ones. It can also teach a person how to combat gambling urges and how to deal with financial, work and relationships problems caused by gambling addiction.
Several factors can contribute to the development of a gambling addiction, including an early big win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity, a poor understanding of random events, use of escape coping, and stressful life experiences. It is important for doctors to be aware of these factors so that they can identify them in their patients.
Some individuals develop a problem with gambling because of specific underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. If you have a mood disorder, your therapist may need to treat this before recommending treatment for a gambling addiction. For example, they may recommend therapy to address depression or medication to manage anxiety.
There are many different types of counselling and support services available for people with gambling problems. These include self-help organisations and peer support groups like Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. These services can provide help for individuals who are suffering from gambling addiction as well as their families and friends.
Addiction is a serious condition that can cause significant harm to your physical and emotional health. It is important to recognise that you have a problem and seek professional help, especially if it has already led to debt or strained or broken relationships.