Gambling is risking something of value on an event that is primarily based on chance in the hope of realizing a profit. It has existed in virtually every culture since prerecorded history and is incorporated into many local customs and rites of passage. People often gamble with money but gambling can also be conducted with items of value that are not money (such as marbles, coins, or the collectible game pieces used in games such as Pogs or Magic: The Gathering).
In addition to monetary risk, problem gambling involves psychological and social factors. It can be a source of shame, guilt, and anxiety and lead to other addictions. Gambling can also cause social isolation. People who struggle with gambling disorder are at increased risk for suicide. This is particularly true for individuals who are secretive about their gambling and those who try to “chase” their losses by continually increasing bet amounts in an attempt to win back lost money.
Some people develop a gambling addiction because they do not have the financial means to pay for other necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. Others may engage in gambling as a way to relieve boredom or loneliness and find it difficult to stop even when they are losing. Regardless of the reason, gambling can lead to significant problems including family breakdowns, debt, and bankruptcy.
Research has shown that some individuals are genetically predisposed to impulse control disorders and a tendency toward thrill-seeking behaviors. These characteristics are also associated with differences in brain function, which can affect how individuals process rewards and risk information and manage their impulses.
When someone is addicted to gambling, it changes the reward pathway in the brain. Whenever they have a winning hand, their brain produces dopamine, which reinforces the behavior. This is a good thing for skill-based activities such as shooting basketballs into a net, but it becomes a problem when the person is gambling.
Those who struggle with gambling addiction must learn to replace their harmful coping mechanisms with healthy ones. This can be done by spending time with friends who do not gamble, participating in recreational activities such as sports and art, or finding a support group for gambling addicts. For example, Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous that provides peer support and guidance. Also, a counselor can help individuals create budgets, set boundaries in managing money, and review bank and credit card statements. Finally, a problem gambler should try to reduce stress levels by taking up a hobby such as gardening or learning to cook. This will reduce the urge to gamble and allow individuals to focus on more productive tasks.
