Gambling is an activity in which you risk something of value in the hope of winning a prize. The most common form of gambling involves placing monetary bets on events that have some degree of uncertainty, such as the outcome of a game of chance or a horse race. You can also place bets with material possessions that have a nominal value, such as marbles or trading cards. In addition, many video games and computer programs allow you to wager virtual money.
Although most people who gamble do not develop problems, a small percentage of compulsive or pathological gamblers become ensnared in a vicious cycle that can lead to financial ruin and even criminal behavior. Over the years, psychologists have developed a consensus on what constitutes a problem in this area. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which guides psychological professionals, lists 10 warning signs of problem gambling. These include lying to conceal the extent of your involvement with gambling, chasing losses, relying on others to finance your habit, and turning to crime to support your gambling activities.
The risk factors for compulsive gambling are similar to those of other addictive behaviors, such as drug addiction and alcoholism. Genetic predisposition is a strong factor, as is family history of compulsive gambling and other psychiatric disorders. Age is another risk factor. Studies show that people who start gambling during childhood or the teenage years are at greater risk of developing a gambling problem than those who begin their gambling careers later in life. Gender is also a factor; men are more likely to develop a gambling problem than women.
A number of theories have been advanced to explain pathological gambling, including reward deficiency syndrome, behavioral-environmental reasons, and the biopsychosocial model. Although these models differ in their details, they all share the underlying assumption that people who have pathological gambling are unable to control their actions due to a combination of biological, environmental, and behavioral factors.
Several types of treatment are available for people with gambling disorders. Behavioral therapy can help you learn to manage your urges and find other ways to cope with stress and boredom. Group therapy provides peer support and encouragement. Individual and family therapy can address specific issues that have been caused by the gambling problem, such as relationship conflicts or credit difficulties. Residential and intensive treatment programs are for those with serious gambling problems who need round-the-clock support to overcome their addictions.
The first step in recovering from a gambling disorder is admitting that you have a problem. This can be difficult, especially if you have lost large amounts of money or have strained or broken relationships because of your gambling habits. BetterHelp can match you with a licensed, accredited therapist who can help you overcome your gambling addiction and rebuild your life. Take our online assessment and get matched in as little as 48 hours. Start your recovery journey today!