Gambling is the risking of something of value, such as money or possessions, on an event whose outcome is determined by chance, such as a game of chance or a sporting event. It can also be done with materials that have value but are not money, such as marbles or collectible trading card games like Magic: The Gathering.
The psychological and social consequences of gambling can be devastating. In addition to the risk of financial ruin, pathological gamblers can lose their jobs and homes, strain relationships with family members and friends, become depressed or suicidal, or develop other mental health problems. Some even end their own lives.
A major risk factor for gambling disorders is a history of mental illness, such as depression or bipolar disorder. People who have these disorders are more likely to be impulsive and more likely to start gambling as a way to self-soothe or distract themselves. Other factors include poor finances, which can cause people to turn to gambling as a way to make money. This can lead to debt, and people in this situation are encouraged to seek advice from StepChange for free debt help.
It is possible to recover from gambling problems, but it takes hard work. A change in thinking is essential. You need to learn to manage your emotions, especially anger and frustration, and replace a gambling mindset with a healthier one that focuses on achievement. You may need to find new ways to feel good, such as exercise or healthy eating. It is also important to set limits and boundaries. Don’t go to casinos or other gambling establishments when you know you are prone to addiction, and limit the amount of money you carry with you when you do go out. Also, don’t let casino staff talk you into free cocktails or other tempting offers.
Pathological gambling is considered a severe problem by clinicians and has been included in three versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association. Some pathological gamblers engage in destructive behaviors such as stealing, lying and running up large debts. They can damage relationships with family and friends, and even kill themselves.
In the last few decades, scientific research has focused on understanding why some people gamble compulsively and others do not. Several studies have linked pathological gambling to the same neurobiological mechanisms that are thought to underlie substance abuse and addiction. Although some scholars believe that gamblers can move across a continuum of gambling severity, many clinicians and the self-help treatment community believe that pathological gambling should be classified as an addiction.