Gambling involves placing money or material possessions at stake for an uncertain outcome, such as rolling dice or spinning roulette wheels. Gambling may provide exhilarating thrills; however, becoming addicted can have serious repercussions for one’s life and wellbeing. People from all backgrounds may become dependent upon gambling addiction; it’s therefore essential to recognize any signs that suggest you may have a problem.
Gambling addiction typically manifests itself through inability to control how much is betted, an increase in either bets or losses, secretive behavior and lying about gambling activity. Young men and those suffering mental health disorders are at higher risk for gambling disorder than others. Furthermore, people who use other substances are also at an increased risk.
There are various forms of gambling, from casinos and lotteries to lotteries and online gaming. All forms produce dopamine responses in the brain similar to drug use; people struggling with gambling often feel driven to gamble more frequently in order to achieve that same high.
As with any addictive behavior, gambling can be hard to break the habit of. While some individuals can stop by themselves, other may require assistance and treatment programs can include outpatient and residential programs as well as support groups.
Avoiding gambling altogether is always best; however, if an addiction has already developed it is essential to seek help quickly. Treatment programs combining therapy and medication have proven most successful; alternatively self-help strategies like setting spending limits or stopping credit card payments could be implemented or opening bank accounts with someone else who will oversee them, as well as closing any online betting accounts may help as well.
Financially stressed people are more prone to gambling addiction, particularly if they also engage in other addictive behaviors like substance abuse or suffer from depressive illness. Gambling’s highs and lows can exacerbate existing money issues; bills don’t get paid on time, credit cards are maxed out, debts mount up quickly – leading some people to take out payday loans or steal from loved ones in an attempt to clear debts and recover their finances.
Gambling addiction can have devastating repercussions for family relationships and friendships, so it is vitally important to build strong support networks without encouraging or enabling gambling addiction. Joining a support group such as Gamblers Anonymous – offering a 12-step program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous – may also provide invaluable assistance; those with severe gambling problems may require residential treatment instead. For further assistance or information on available services in your area please speak with health professionals or refer to a referral resource list of certified gambling counselors and intensive rehabilitation programs available near them.