Gambling involves risking something of value on a random outcome, such as the outcome of a game of chance, or on a lottery or a horse race. If you predict the outcome correctly, you win money; if not, you lose money. Some people gamble for fun and enjoy it without problems; others have a problem that requires professional help. Pathological gambling is a serious condition that has been referred to as “problem gambling” and “gambling addiction” in the past, but is now more accurately classified as an impulse control disorder by the American Psychiatric Association.
The new classification reflects the understanding of the biological basis of addiction that has developed over the last 15 years, and is based on research demonstrating that gambling disorders have similar features to other impulsive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse. It may also change the way psychiatrists treat individuals who have a gambling disorder.
Despite the fact that many people are able to gamble responsibly and do not experience any negative consequences, the vast majority of gamblers suffer from gambling problems. Problems with gambling can be triggered by any type of gambling activity, and the severity of these problems increases with the level of involvement, the duration of the gambling problem, and the frequency of the behavior.
Problem gamblers often develop a problem because of a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition and personality traits. People who are predisposed to gambling problems tend to have a family history of the disorder, and may also have other underlying mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. In addition, the risk of developing a gambling problem increases with age, and men appear to be more likely to develop problems than women.
The most important step in addressing a gambling problem is to seek professional help. A therapist can help identify the underlying causes of the problem and teach you skills to cope with the disorder. Educating yourself about the nature of gambling and how it affects the brain can be helpful as well.
There are a variety of different treatments for problem gambling, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy. A therapist can also assist you with the development of financial management strategies and recommend support groups for problem gamblers.
A therapist can teach you healthy ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, and practicing relaxation techniques. You can also learn to set limits for yourself when gambling. For example, you should decide before you go gambling not only how much you want to spend but how long you’ll stay, and stick to those limits. Never try to recoup your losses by betting more money; this is called chasing your losses and is very dangerous.
A therapist can also help you establish boundaries in managing your finances and credit, and may recommend counseling services such as marriage, career, and debt counseling. These services can help you work through the specific issues created by your loved one’s problem gambling, and can be invaluable in helping you cope with their behavior.