Gambling involves betting something of value on an event that is determined at least partly by chance, in the hope of winning. It can involve many different things, from placing a bet on a football match to playing bingo or buying lottery tickets.
For some people, gambling can be an enjoyable and harmless pastime. However, for others it can be a problem. It can harm their physical and mental health, affect their relationships with family and friends, cause problems at work or study and leave them in serious debt. It can also lead to homelessness and even suicide.
Understanding of the adverse consequences of gambling has undergone profound change. It is now widely accepted that individuals who suffer from gambling disorders have psychological problems rather than just a bad habit. This change is similar to the shift in how alcoholics are perceived. The new view is reflected and stimulated by the various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (called DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Traditionally, gambling behaviour was considered to be on a continuum ranging from social and recreational gambling through to pathological gambling. It is believed that the time it takes to move from one level to another varies from individual to individual.
Gambling is often used to escape from boredom or stress, but it can become a problem in its own right when an individual starts to lose control and becomes hooked. Several factors contribute to the development of gambling addiction, including an early big win, the size of the win, a tendency to replicate the same gambles over and over, the use of escape coping, a lack of realistic appraisal of risk, impulsivity and depression.
When someone is struggling with gambling addiction, they may be unable to stop gambling, even when they are losing money and their family and friends have told them that they are concerned. This can be due to their feelings of shame and denial, which are common among people who have an addiction. They may also be tempted to hide their gambling activity by lying to their family and friends or hiding cash and credit cards in their home.
The most important step in overcoming an addiction to gambling is seeking help as soon as possible. This can be done by talking to a GP or finding NHS support. It is also advisable to join a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous. This can help by providing guidance and support from other former addicts, and it is important to seek treatment for any underlying mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. By tackling these issues, it will be easier to break free from gambling and start living a more fulfilling life. It is also helpful to set financial boundaries – for example, by removing credit cards, having someone else manage the money, closing online gambling accounts and keeping only a small amount of cash on hand.