Gambling Addiction

Whether it’s betting on a football match, scratchcard or lottery, gambling involves risking money or material valuables for a chance to win something else of value. The act of gambling entails an element of chance and uncertainty, which is why some people find it difficult to stop. Problem gamblers often experience negative effects, such as damage to relationships and career opportunities, health problems and financial difficulties. They can even become homeless. The World Health Organization reports that more than half a million people die each year as a result of gambling-related issues.

Gambling is a popular activity worldwide. It can be done legally or illegally, and is available in all types of media and in every country, from casinos and lotteries to online gaming and video games. In the United States, legal gambling is regulated at state and federal levels. However, many illegal gambling activities occur. In the late 20th century, a variety of new forms of gambling became available and expanded around the globe. Today, gambling is more accessible than ever, with easy access to the Internet and a growing number of mobile devices.

Many people who are addicted to gambling are driven by feelings of anxiety, boredom or inadequacy. They may start by gambling as a way to relieve boredom or stress, such as after a stressful day at work or following an argument with their spouse. Some people also use gambling to socialize. Others, especially those who are pathological gamblers, are driven by the desire to escape from the realities of their lives and pursue fantasies of grandeur, such as winning big at a casino or becoming a sports star.

In addition to causing emotional and financial harm, gambling can lead to other unhealthy behaviors, including substance abuse, poor diet and lack of exercise. It’s important to identify the underlying issues that cause compulsive gambling and develop healthy coping strategies.

Managing gambling addiction requires commitment, support and family therapy. It’s also important to avoid triggers, such as the environment and people associated with gambling. For example, if the route to and from work passes a casino, take an alternate route or change the channel when watching sports. It’s also helpful to set time limits when gambling and to never gamble on credit or in debt. It’s important to learn healthier ways to relieve unpleasant emotions, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble or practicing mindfulness exercises like deep breathing.

Symptoms of gambling addiction include a strong urge to gamble; difficulty regulating gambling, spending and loss; lying to family members or therapists about the extent of involvement in gambling; using drugs or alcohol while gambling; engaging in criminal behavior to finance gambling; and chasing losses. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV listed 10 warning signs of compulsive gambling, but the DSM-V eliminated one of them (criminal behavior). For many families of problem gamblers, it is challenging to recognize and address these warning signs.