What is Gambling Addiction?
Gambling is an activity in which a person risks something of value, such as money, on an event that has a chance of occurring. Most people who gamble do so without any problems, but some develop gambling disorder. The disorder is characterized by compulsive and recurrent gambling behavior that causes significant distress or impairment. It is a type of impulse control disorder, and research suggests that it is associated with sensation-seeking and arousal.
People who suffer from gambling addiction often use the activity as an escape from their daily lives. They may also do it as a way to self-soothe unpleasant emotions or feelings of boredom or loneliness. However, like all addictive substances, problem gambling can have serious long term consequences that outweigh any entertainment value. It is important for those with gambling addictions to find ways of coping with unpleasant emotions and stressors that do not involve gambling, such as exercising, spending time with friends who do not gamble, or learning relaxation techniques.
The main feature that distinguishes gambling from other forms of recreational and leisure activities is the element of chance. This is evident when someone places a bet on a game of chance, such as betting on a football match or buying a scratchcard. In this case, the odds are a measure of how likely it is that the person will win, and they can be found on a betting website or on the back of the scratchcard.
In addition to chance, there are other factors that influence the development of a gambling addiction. Many researchers believe that gambling is a form of behavioral therapy, similar to the practice used in addiction treatment for substance dependence. The theory behind this theory is that the reward pathway in the brain is stimulated by the repetition of gambling behavior, just as it is by repeated drug administration.
Some of the most common symptoms of gambling addiction include:
– lying to family members, friends, and others in order to conceal gambling behavior; – stealing money or other assets in order to finance gambling; – putting off or jeopardizing personal or professional opportunities because of gambling; – repeatedly returning to a casino even after losing large amounts of money (chasing losses); and – engaging in other illegal activities to fund gambling, such as forgery, theft, embezzlement, or prostitution.
It is important for individuals to seek treatment for their gambling addiction before it gets out of hand. There are many treatment options available, from outpatient counseling to residential and inpatient programs. Inpatient treatment is recommended for those with severe gambling disorders, and it can be a helpful way to break the vicious cycle of losing money and breaking relationships. BetterHelp is an online counseling service that matches you with a licensed, accredited therapist who can help you overcome your gambling addiction. Get started by taking our assessment and getting matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.
