Gambling involves risking money or other valuables on an event that depends on chance, such as a football match or a scratchcard. You choose what you want to bet on and the odds, which tell you how likely you are to win, are set by the betting company. Skill can sometimes improve the chances of winning, for example a good knowledge of card playing strategies can increase your chances of beating a casino game or an understanding of horse racing can help you predict the outcome of a race. However, gambling is still a form of risk-taking, and the odds remain unknown.
People who gamble have a high risk of developing an addiction to the activity. Some people may not even realize that they have a problem. This is partly because some communities consider gambling a normal pastime and it can be difficult to challenge cultural values. In addition, some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity. Some people also have mental health conditions that can cause difficulties in recognizing and managing an addiction.
In the past, many people who experienced adverse consequences from gambling were viewed as having psychological problems rather than an addiction. However, this understanding has changed and pathological gambling is now considered to be a disorder in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The DSM describes gambling disorders as “an impulse control or behavioural addiction characterized by compulsive gambling behavior that causes significant distress or impairment in multiple areas of life.” It is important to know that the DSM only recognises gambling disorders when there are clear symptoms. Some of these include:
You can get help for a gambling disorder through psychotherapy, which is a range of treatment techniques that can be used with a trained mental health professional. The main aim of psychotherapy is to help you identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Treatment can help you develop better ways to manage stress, spend time with family and friends and deal with other mental health conditions that might be contributing to your gambling problem. You can also access support groups for people with similar problems and use medication to treat severe gambling addictions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any medications to treat gambling disorders, but psychotherapy can be effective. It is important to remember that you won’t be able to recover from a gambling addiction overnight, and you may struggle with urges for some time after you stop. But, with support and treatment, you can regain control of your life and make healthy choices. BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you with licensed, accredited therapists. Start with a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.