Gambling is an activity in which people place bets on a event with the hope of winning. It is a common past-time and can be enjoyable when done responsibly. However, there are some people who struggle with gambling and it can lead to serious problems that affect their health, relationships and career. Problem gambling is also known as compulsive or pathological gambling and is recognised as a mental health disorder.
Many factors can contribute to the development of gambling problems, including family background, personality, and social networks. People with gambling problems may have a genetic predisposition towards thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity and can also have difficulty processing reward information, controlling impulses and weighing risk. In addition, some cultures consider gambling a normal pastime and it can be harder to recognize that there is a problem.
The human brain is not fully mature until the age of 25. This can affect a person’s ability to develop good and bad habits. Young people are at particularly high risk of developing a gambling problem.
It is important to understand the reasons that people gamble so you can help a loved one who has a gambling problem. People gamble for a variety of reasons, such as to have fun, to win money, to escape from daily life stressors and to socialize with others. There are also several other, healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings and boredom, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, taking up a new hobby or practicing relaxation techniques.
Gambling can be a rewarding and social activity for some people, but for others it becomes addictive. The reason is that, when someone gambles, their brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes them feel excited and happy. This response is similar to the feeling that people get from taking a drug.
Although gambling is not a harmful activity, it can become problematic when the person loses control of their decisions and starts to bet more than they can afford to lose. Symptoms of gambling problems include:
If you think your loved one has a gambling problem, it’s important to act early. Speak to a GP or a professional who can provide you with information and support. There are many organisations that offer help and support for people with gambling problems, including specialist clinics and peer support groups like Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous. Some of these organisations also provide financial counselling and referral resources for local support and intensive treatment programs. It is also helpful to set boundaries in managing money and to review bank and credit card statements to spot unauthorised purchases. It is also recommended to avoid high-risk situations such as a casino or betting shop. Instead, try attending a sports game or joining a book club to keep your social network strong and to reduce the temptation to gamble. Then, if you do start to gamble, always start with a fixed amount of money that you are prepared to lose.