Understanding Gambling Addiction

Gambling is an activity in which you risk something of value for a chance to win something else of value. It can take many forms, from playing card games to betting on sports events, lottery numbers or elections. You can even wager money on business, insurance policies or stocks and shares.

Problem gambling can impact every aspect of your life – family, work, financial issues and relationships. It can also cause emotional and mental health problems and is often considered a type of addiction. It is possible to recover from gambling addiction and find ways to manage your behaviour, however you should seek help if you have a serious problem.

Understanding gambling addiction

In the past, people who struggled with gambling were viewed as having mental health problems rather than as individuals with a substance use disorder. This change in how we view pathological gambling has been accompanied by an expansion of the symptoms and signs that characterize it, leading to its inclusion as a distinct condition in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

The psychology behind gambling addiction is complex. It has been shown that people who have a strong urge to gamble can experience changes in their brain, such as reduced impulse control and an over-active reward system. This can make it difficult for them to weigh risks and rewards when making decisions.

While most people who gamble do so responsibly, some are at risk of developing a gambling problem that can have a devastating impact on their lives. If you have a gambling addiction, you may not be able to stop thinking about gambling and might feel the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money. You might also lie to friends and family about your gambling habits, or spend more time gambling than is healthy.

It is important to recognise a gambling problem as early as possible because the consequences can be damaging to your home life, work and family. You should seek help from a qualified clinical professional, who will be able to conduct a thorough assessment and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment for a gambling problem will usually involve some combination of family therapy and individual counselling, along with education about the nature and risks of gambling.

Some people are predisposed to gambling addiction due to genetics or a history of mental illness. Others, like those with underactive brain reward systems, can be more susceptible to sensation-seeking and impulsivity. In addition, the societal and cultural context in which you live can influence your attitudes towards gambling and what constitutes a problem.

It is also important to have a strong support network when you are trying to break the gambling habit. Consider reaching out to friends and family who are not involved with gambling, joining a book club or sports team, enrolling in an educational course or volunteering for a cause you believe in. You can also join a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, a program based on the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous.