Gambling involves betting money or something of value on an outcome based on chance, such as a football match or scratchcard. People gamble for different reasons – to socialise, get an adrenaline rush, escape worries or stress, or just pass the time. For some, gambling can become an addiction. If you’re worried about your own gambling, or if someone you know has a problem, there are ways to get help.
For some, gambling is a way to be social with friends or co-workers, and it’s portrayed in the media as a glamorous, exciting activity. It can also be a way to get out of boredom or depression, and a way to avoid thinking about problems or dealing with them. It’s often a hidden addiction, as people who are addicted to gambling don’t always recognise their habit.
Many people don’t realise that gambling is addictive until it affects their health and wellbeing, relationships, work and studies. It can lead to problems at home and at work, make them ill or miss important events, cause stress and anxiety and get them into debt. The impact on a person’s mental health can be severe and can even cause suicide.
The reward center of the brain is affected by gambling, and when it’s done too much, people can develop a compulsion to gamble, even when they don’t have any real chances of winning. It can also cause people to lie, break promises and steal to fund their gambling. This can harm a person’s family, friendships and work life, and can lead to incarceration and homelessness.
It is possible to manage a gambling addiction and regain control of your finances and emotional well-being, and there are a number of services and self-help tips available. You can start by setting boundaries for yourself – only gamble with money you’re willing to lose and don’t try to ‘chase’ losses, which is when you think you’re due a win and will recoup your lost funds. You can also remove gambling apps from your phone and computer, and delete auto-fill information for betting websites so you’re not tempted to click on them when you’re bored.
If you’re struggling with a loved one’s gambling problem, seek support from your doctor or a specialist gambling disorder service. You can get individual counselling, psychodynamic therapy, or group therapy, and there are a number of peer support groups that can help you find the courage to ask for help. There’s also family therapy, which can teach your loved ones how to deal with problem gambling and create a healthier relationship. It’s also a good idea to reach out to your wider community and try new activities that will fill the void left by gambling, such as sports teams, book clubs or socialising with friends in a non-gambling environment. You could also consider joining a gambling recovery program, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. You can also take steps to strengthen your support network by reaching out to other gambling-free friends, and consider taking on a family member’s financial responsibilities so you’re not at risk of being pulled into the cycle again.