Gambling is a risky activity where you wager something of value on an outcome that depends on chance and has little to do with strategy. It is common for people to gamble with money, but it can also be done with items of personal value such as marbles, trading cards, and Pogs (stamps). The activity has a huge impact on the economy, especially in places like Las Vegas, where 60 percent of the workers are in gambling-related jobs.
While most people do not experience problems with their gambling, a small group of individuals become heavily involved, and continue to gamble despite negative social, work, and family impacts. This behavior is known as pathological gambling. The most significant problem with gambling is that it can be an addictive behavior. Approximately one-third of problem gamblers have a family history of gambling addiction, and many people with this type of addiction start at an early age.
Psychiatrists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the official guide for diagnosing psychological disorders, to define a gambling disorder. The DSM defines a gambling disorder as the “preoccupation with the frequency and amount of gambling, preoccupation with the consequences of gambling, or a persistent failure to control gambling urges.”
A person can develop a gambling problem at any age, but it is most prevalent in young adults. It can be caused by a number of factors including poor school performance, isolation, and peer pressure. It can damage family and friendships, cause health problems and lead to serious debt and even homelessness. It can also affect job performance and cause financial difficulties.
People who have a gambling disorder are not only at increased risk of committing crimes but may also be at risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. They can also have difficulty sleeping and may be depressed. They are often secretive about their gambling and lie to their friends and families about how much they spend. They may even be compelled to increase their bets in a desperate attempt to win back losses.
Some people who have a gambling problem find relief from unpleasant feelings by gambling, such as boredom or stress. This is because gambling causes the brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel excited and happy. However, there are healthier ways to relieve these feelings such as exercise, spending time with friends who do not gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques.
The first step in overcoming a gambling addiction is admitting you have a problem. It can be hard to do, especially if you’ve lost a lot of money or strained your relationships due to gambling. But there are a number of support groups that can help you break your habit and live a more balanced life. You can also find inpatient and residential treatment programs for those who are unable to quit gambling on their own. You can also seek help from an online therapy service such as BetterHelp, which matches you with licensed therapists who have experience treating gambling addiction.