Gambling Addiction – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Recovery
Gambling involves placing bets on a random event with the aim of winning money. It can be done by playing casino games, sports betting or even lottery-type games. Some people gamble to socialize, while others enjoy the thrill of winning and the feeling of anticipation. However, if you are concerned about your gambling habits, there are many ways to seek help and get back on track.
It is estimated that three to four percent of the population report some kind of gambling-related problem and that one problem gambler affects at least seven other people, including their significant others, children and friends. While many people can stop gambling after a few rounds of poker or a few spins of the roulette wheel, some cannot and become addicted. This is because gambling triggers certain chemical changes in the brain, and some individuals are genetically predisposed to the impulsive behaviour and reward-seeking response that can lead to pathological gambling.
The main cause of gambling addiction is compulsive behavior. A person with a gambling addiction may have trouble controlling their urges, as well as being unable to weigh risk and reward, making it difficult for them to distinguish between acceptable and harmful activities. Other factors that can cause gambling addiction include a history of childhood abuse, low self-esteem and lack of family support.
Symptoms of gambling addiction can range from mild to severe. Depending on the severity of the disorder, a person can experience an altered personality and poor work or school performance. Problem gamblers can also have difficulty with memory, which makes it hard for them to concentrate. In addition, they are often irritable and short-tempered.
Although there is no definitive cure for gambling addiction, there are several treatments available. One way is to seek professional medical help, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps you understand how your thought processes and emotions influence your decisions. Another option is to join a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Other options for treatment and recovery include strengthening your support network, finding healthier ways to relieve boredom and stress, and practicing relaxation techniques.
A study of the impacts of gambling on society has largely focused on economic development and social costs, with little consideration for personal or interpersonal costs. There is a need for a common methodology for assessing these impacts, especially those that are nonmonetary in nature. A public health approach offers a solution by focusing on a broad range of costs and benefits, including those that are intangible, personal or interpersonal, as well as those that are monetary. This approach can be applied to gambling research, policymaking, and public health advocacy.