Gambling Addiction
Gambling involves risking something of value on an event that is determined at least in part by chance. The event may be a game of chance, like a horse race or a lottery drawing, or it may be an activity that involves some element of skill, such as playing cards, buying scratch tickets, or betting on football games. The important thing to remember is that gambling always involves a bet of some kind and the opportunity for winning.
Many people gamble for recreational or social reasons, such as taking a spin on the slots or placing bets with friends. However, for some individuals, the compulsion to gamble becomes problematic and interferes with work, family life, or other activities. The term used to describe this is addiction, and it’s a serious problem that requires treatment.
Some people are attracted to gambling because it releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. This is why it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of winning or the anticipation of losing. Even if you lose, though, your brain still releases dopamine, which can lead to compulsive behavior.
While there are some people who are prone to gambling addiction, most people develop it because of a combination of factors. For example, someone who has poor math skills may be more likely to take risks, while a person with depression or anxiety might feel that gambling can make them feel better. It’s also possible that a genetic predisposition to addictive behaviors is involved.
Psychiatrists have debated the best way to treat gambling addiction for decades. Some experts believe that pathological gambling should be classified as a compulsion, while others think it should be included in the DSM-5’s new category of impulse-control disorders, which includes kleptomania (stealing), pyromania (burning), and trichotillomania (hair pulling). The latter approach has more support among clinicians and the self-help treatment community.
Another issue in treating gambling addiction is deciding what warning signs to look for. One criterion is whether the gambler engages in illegal behavior to fund their habit. In addition, some researchers believe that people can move across a continuum of problem severity, with more serious problems occurring over time.
If you have a loved one with gambling addiction, the first step in coping with it is to seek help. Reach out to other families affected by this disorder, and consider attending a support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous. This 12-step program is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, and it can help you understand how to manage your own triggers and avoid relapse.
You should also set boundaries in managing money. To help your loved one stay accountable, you might want to give them access to only a portion of the household income, or you might put a credit freeze on their accounts. You should never encourage them to chase their losses by thinking they’re due for a big win or that they can just play a little longer. This is called the “gambler’s fallacy,” and it’s a major cause of gambling addiction.