Gambling involves placing something of value on an event that is primarily determined by chance with the intent to win something else of value. It is considered a form of recreation and has been a part of virtually every society throughout history. It is a complex activity that can lead to problems for some people, including addiction.
Most people have gambled at some point in their lives, but for some the gambling can become a serious problem. A small percentage of individuals engage in pathological gambling to an extent that has significant negative personal, family and social consequences. It is defined as engaging in gambling behavior to the extent that it causes significant impairment in multiple domains of functioning, as reflected in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (called DSM).
Generally speaking, there are four main reasons why someone might be drawn to gambling. These reasons may help you understand why your loved one keeps gambling and how it can become a problem.
The first reason why someone might gamble is for social reasons. This could be because it is what a group of friends does when they get together or because it makes a social gathering more fun. It is also possible that someone might gamble for entertainment reasons, to try and get that rush or “high” that comes with it. In these cases, it is important to set limits for yourself. Never play with more money than you are comfortable losing, and don’t think that you will be able to get your losses back by playing more. This is known as the ‘gambler’s fallacy’, and it is very dangerous.
Financial reasons are another common motivating factor for gambling. This can be because someone wants to win big and change their lifestyle, or because they believe that they are ‘due for a good run of luck’. It is also possible that they might gamble for coping reasons, to distract themselves from other concerns or to make them feel more self-confident.
There are a number of things that can trigger problematic gambling, but many people do not realise that there is a problem until it is too late. When this happens, they often deny the problem and lie to their families and friends. They may also hide their gambling activities and start to conceal money or credit cards.
If you recognise any of these signs in your loved one, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. There are many different services that offer support, assistance and counselling for people with gambling problems. Some of these are residential or inpatient, and they can provide treatment for people who are unable to manage their gambling habits on their own. These programs can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and group support. Some of these programmes also involve a sponsor, a former gambler who can help them with their recovery. You can also find online support groups for people with gambling problems, such as Gamblers Anonymous.
