Gambling is an activity where people stake something of value, often money, on a random event with the potential to win a prize. This can include anything from betting on football matches or a lottery to buying a scratchcard. The value of the prize can be a small amount or a large sum of money. People are able to gamble in places like casinos and racetracks, but also in their homes or online. Gambling can be considered problematic when it affects a person’s mental health, physical wellbeing, relationships with family and friends or work performance. It can also leave a person in serious debt or even homeless.
Problem gambling is often accompanied by mood disorders such as depression, stress or anxiety which can trigger and worsen the symptoms of compulsive gambling. This makes it especially difficult to stop gambling and can even make a person feel as though they can’t cope without the opportunity to gamble. In addition, a gambling addiction can make it hard to manage personal finances, which can lead to financial difficulties for a household or even bankruptcy.
People often begin to gamble because they are escaping from unpleasant feelings or boredom and the anticipation of winning a prize. However, there are other healthier ways to relieve unpleasant emotions such as exercise, spending time with friends who don’t gamble or practicing relaxation techniques. There are also many social and community activities that can be enjoyed without the risk of gambling such as clubs, sports teams or volunteering for a worthy cause.
A person who is addicted to gambling may become secretive about their habit or lie to friends and family. They might hide evidence of their gambling, spend money on credit cards or other loans or increase bet sizes in an attempt to try and win their losses back. They might also be irritable and aggressive.
There are a number of organisations that provide support and assistance for people with gambling problems, and help to prevent addiction. These organisations offer telephone, face-to-face and group therapy and advice services, and some also offer residential treatment programmes. These programmes are generally short-term but may last up to a year and involve one-to-one counselling, group therapy and education about the risks of gambling.
It’s important to seek out peer support for a gambling problem, and consider attending a programme such as Gamblers Anonymous that is based on the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous. This can provide an invaluable source of guidance and reassurance to those who are trying to overcome their addiction. In addition, therapy can help address underlying issues such as depression, anxiety or substance use which may contribute to the development of a gambling problem. Finally, it’s important to set boundaries around managing money; removing credit cards, having someone else manage the finances and closing online betting accounts are all steps towards reducing the opportunity for gambling. However, if you are struggling to control your urges, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible.