Gambling is a form of risk-taking that involves placing something of value on the outcome of a random event. It can involve putting money on a sporting event, buying a lottery ticket, playing the slots or even betting on a horse race. In some cases, gambling can become an addiction that leads to serious problems in the gambler’s life. If a person’s gambling habits are negatively impacting their health, personal relationships and finances, they may be struggling with a gambling disorder.
Gambling has a long history in human civilization. Evidence of its prevalence dates back to ancient China, when tiles were discovered that appear to have been used in a rudimentary game of chance. Today, gambling is more accepted and accessible than ever before. Four in five Americans say they have gambled at least once. In addition to casinos and brick-and-mortar establishments, people can place bets on sports events and other events via phone or the internet.
A major problem in gambling is the use of credit or money as a form of collateral for bets. While the practice can be legal, it is often difficult to control and can lead to serious financial difficulties. In addition, the act of gambling can have a negative effect on a person’s mood and self-esteem. Research has found that gamblers are more likely to experience depression and other mood disorders than the general population. In some cases, a mood disorder may precede the onset of gambling problems.
The term “problem gambling” describes a range of gambling behaviors, from those that are merely risky to those that meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for pathological gambling. The goal of treatment is to help the gambler gain control over their gambling behavior and minimize its harmful effects on their life.
One of the best ways to control a gambling urge is to postpone it. Rather than giving into the craving right away, tell yourself that you will wait five minutes, fifteen minutes or an hour. During this time, the urge to gamble may pass or become less intense. If the urge persists, distract yourself with a healthy activity, such as exercising, reading or practicing a relaxation technique.
Many people with a gambling problem find success in an outpatient program. During these sessions, they learn new coping skills and are taught how to recognize their triggers. They also work on building a support network. In more severe cases, inpatient or residential treatment is available for those who are unable to resist gambling temptation without round-the-clock support.
While there are no cures for pathological gambling, a variety of treatments have proven effective. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy have been shown to be effective in reducing gambling problems. Additionally, some people with gambling disorders benefit from group therapy, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. In the future, researchers hope to improve the effectiveness of these and other therapies by developing more targeted therapeutic interventions.