Gambling is any activity in which people stake money or other material items on an outcome that depends on chance and has the potential to yield a prize. It is a form of recreation for some and can result in financial ruin for others. It can occur in casinos, racetracks and even at home via online gambling sites. Regardless of where and how people gamble, they risk losing money and can even be harmed physically or psychologically. Gambling can also interfere with relationships, cause work or school performance to suffer and lead to serious debts and even homelessness.
The first step in identifying problem gambling is to understand what it involves. This is not as easy as it sounds because people who gamble often have a misperception of what it is they are doing. They believe that they are simply making a wager on an event that could change their life for the better, but in reality, the odds always favor the house and the chances of winning are slim.
When someone gambles, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that creates a feeling of reward. This is why people feel excited when they win and sad when they lose. But the good news is that there are other ways to feel happy and relieve boredom, such as exercising, socializing with friends who do not gamble or practicing relaxation techniques. Despite the fact that there are no FDA-approved medications to treat gambling disorders, counseling is available for people who struggle with this issue. Counseling can help people think about their problems, consider options and solve them in a healthy way. It can also address underlying mood disorders that may be contributing to gambling addictions, such as depression and anxiety.
Besides seeking therapy, family members can limit their loved ones’ access to credit cards and other forms of gambling money by having someone else manage their finances, closing accounts and limiting how much money they keep on hand. They can also encourage their loved ones to seek out healthier ways of relieving unpleasant feelings, like self-soothing or spending time with non-gambling friends.
Another important thing to do is to teach them that they are not just betting for money, but that there’s a lot more to the game than that. A person who has a gambling disorder may feel that they need to gamble to have fun, but the truth is, they are not having any fun at all. They are in fact suffering from a serious mental health condition that is damaging their lives. This is why it’s important to get them the help they need. There are many resources out there to help a loved one with this issue, including counseling and online support groups. The National Problem Gambling Helpline offers phone and text lines that are staffed 24/7. Also, there are peer-led online support groups such as Gamtalk that offer moderated group support chats. These services are free and can be accessed by anyone around the world.