The word gambling is often associated with casinos and betting on horse races. However, there are many forms of gambling. These include online poker, fantasy leagues, scratch tickets and DIY investing. Regardless of the form of gambling, the key elements are consideration, risk and a prize. While not all gambling behaviors are harmful, some can become addictive and lead to harming one’s finances, physical and mental health and relationships. In addition, problem gambling can interfere with work and family life, increase stress levels, cause debt and even lead to homelessness. Therefore, it is important to evaluate patients for gambling behavior as part of a routine medical exam.
Gambling can trigger a range of symptoms that may impact a person’s daily functioning and social engagement, including impulsivity, boredom susceptibility, and use of escape coping to cope with stressful life events. People who struggle with a gambling disorder are often driven by an expectation to replicate an early big win, and can be influenced by several factors such as the size of the winnings, a poor understanding of the randomness of gambling outcomes, use of gambling as a way to escape, and past adverse childhood experiences.
When you gamble, your brain produces a massive surge of dopamine, a chemical that acts as a reward for positive events and can be helpful in developing skills. But when gambling is a regular activity, your brain can become desensitized to the pleasurable effects of this drug, and you need more and more dopamine to experience the same feelings. This can lead to a vicious cycle of increased gambling, and ultimately higher losses.
While most gamblers are able to control their addiction, some people find it difficult to stop. This is because they often lose sight of the fact that gambling is not a lucrative business and should be treated like entertainment. For this reason, it is essential to set a limit before entering the casino and stick to it. The best way to do this is by starting with a fixed amount of money you can comfortably afford to lose and leaving your ATM card in your hotel room. It is also important to tip your dealers, either by handing them a chip and clearly saying “This is for you,” or by placing a bet for them. You should also tip cocktail waitresses regularly.
If you suspect a loved one has an addiction to gambling, seek help immediately. A professional will assess the situation and provide the appropriate care. It is also a good idea to talk with the person’s family and friends to create boundaries about the amount of time spent gambling, as well as to establish financial controls such as restricting access to credit cards or bank accounts. It is a common misconception that only a few people have problems with gambling, but it is important to understand the impact it can have on your family and personal life. Reach out to The Gambling Clinic for help.