Gambling involves betting something of value on an event with the intention of winning something else of value. This can include placing a bet on a horse race, buying lottery tickets or even playing slot machines. It is important to recognise when gambling is becoming a problem, as it can cause serious financial and emotional harm. If you think someone you know may be suffering from a gambling addiction, there are organisations that offer support and help.
People gamble for many reasons, from socialising with friends to escaping a stressful reality. However, some people develop a problem with gambling for a combination of reasons:
These factors are often linked to underlying issues such as depression or anxiety. They can also be caused by genetic or environmental influences, which lead to dramatic alterations in the way the brain sends chemical messages. Other causes of a gambling problem are thought to be a lack of self-control and an inability to weigh risks against rewards.
A number of different treatment options are available for those with a gambling problem, from cognitive-behavioral therapy to pharmacotherapies. A new, experimental medication called naltrexone has been shown to be particularly effective in treating gambling addiction. It is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the brain’s natural opioid receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Another option is to try and find ways to avoid gambling altogether. This might mean finding other things to do for entertainment, or putting a budget in place and ensuring that the money spent on gambling is not used for essential living expenses. It is also advisable to set a time limit for each session of gambling and to leave when that time has elapsed, whether you are winning or losing. It is a good idea to remove credit card information from your phone or laptop, so that it cannot autofill on gambling websites. Never borrow money to gamble, and never use money intended for other needs (e.g. rent, food) to gamble.
It can be difficult to recognise a gambling problem, as many people will hide their gambling activity and lie about how much they spend. Those who have a gambling problem can become preoccupied with the activity, and start to neglect other aspects of their lives. They might also become secretive about their behaviour and seek to avoid family members, friends and work colleagues. This can create stress and tension, which in turn can make it harder to recognise a problem. Cultural beliefs about gambling can also play a role, as some cultures consider it to be a harmless pastime and so it can be hard to recognise that it is out of control.
