Gambling is the act of placing something of value (often money) on the outcome of a game or event that involves chance. Most people who gamble do so without any problems, but a small proportion develop gambling disorders, which are classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Problem gambling affects individuals of all social and economic backgrounds, but it is particularly common among the poorest, most disadvantaged groups. Vulnerability to gambling disorder also increases with age, with children and teens at higher risk than adults. Research shows that a variety of factors contribute to the development of gambling disorders, including the onset of the behavior before age 18, family history, genetics, medical conditions, and social and cultural factors.
Most forms of gambling involve a mixture of skill and luck, but some, such as poker and blackjack, require considerable knowledge. The practice is legal in many countries, and there are a number of casinos, race tracks, lotteries, and sports betting operations around the world. The total amount of money legally wagered is estimated to be around $10 trillion per year.
Although gambling is a popular leisure activity, it can cause serious harm to an individual’s life. The negative consequences of gambling can include financial, social and psychological problems. Problems may arise from the use of the activity as a way to relieve unpleasant emotions or boredom, the inability to stop gambling once the initial pleasure has worn off, and the feeling that gambling is the only way to escape from stressful situations.
Whether the cause is addiction or a normal response to stress, gambling changes brain chemistry and cell structure. The reward system becomes disrupted, so that a person continues to seek out the highs of gambling even when they are no longer enjoying it. This is a very dangerous situation, because it can lead to compulsive behaviors such as over-gambling and chasing losses.
If you have a loved one who has a problem with gambling, reaching out for help is important. You can get support and assistance for yourself and your loved ones from organisations that offer advice, counselling and help for gambling problems. These organisations can also help with other issues that are affecting your or your loved ones’ lives, such as alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence and debts. They can provide you with a safe space to talk about your concerns and find ways of tackling them together. They can also recommend professional services that can help you change your lifestyle and regain control of your finances. They can also advise you on how to protect your family from further harm caused by your loved one’s addiction. This might include setting boundaries in managing money, such as taking over household budgets. They can also help you to find healthier ways of relieving unpleasant feelings, such as exercising, spending time with friends who do not gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques. These can all help to rebalance your life and rebalance your brain chemistry, so that everyday life begins to feel good again.