Gambling is a risk-taking activity where people stake something of value on an event with an element of chance. This can include a game of chance on a scratch card or fruit machine, betting on football matches, lottery tickets, playing games of skill like poker or blackjack or even speculating on the stock market.
A person who gambles has an addictive problem, and they need to stop gambling as soon as possible. You can help them do this by giving them information about the harms of gambling and helping them find a local support service.
When someone has a gambling problem, they usually lose money or spend their time or energy on gambling instead of doing more important things in life. They may also get into financial trouble and become very depressed or anxious because of their gambling habit.
Symptoms of a gambling problem can be hard to spot, but there are some signs that you can watch out for. For example, if they are always relying on others to pay for their gambling, they may need some extra money or a different way of paying for their purchases.
They can also have a negative impact on their family and friends. This can lead to strained relationships or they may be withdrawn from social activities and other important activities.
Age and gender are also factors that can increase the chances of developing a gambling problem. In general, compulsive gambling is more common in men than women but it can happen to both sexes.
The brain releases dopamine, a chemical in the body that is released during activities such as eating, drugs and sex, when there is uncertainty about the outcome. The release of dopamine in these situations can lead to gambling “highs,” which can make it more difficult for people to resist the urge to gamble.
It can be hard to know if a person has a problem with gambling, so it is helpful to seek professional advice. They can use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to identify problem gambling and then they can refer the person to a specialist service for treatment.
Overcoming a gambling problem is very tough, but it is worth doing. You can learn to resist the cravings, manage your losses and develop new ways of spending your money.
You can also ask for support from a support group, such as Gam-Anon. These groups provide peer-support to help people overcome their gambling problems and stay on the path to recovery.
If you or a loved one is having trouble with gambling, take the first step by calling a helpline to talk about your concerns. You can also contact a psychologist who can recommend a good support service.
They can then be referred to an addiction counselor, who will then help them decide what kind of treatment is right for them. This can involve a residential or inpatient programme, depending on the level of severity of their addiction.
