Gambling and Pathological Gambling Disorders
Gambling is risking something of value (money, assets, etc.) in an attempt to win something of greater value, such as a prize or cash. There are a variety of gambling activities, including playing card games like poker and blackjack in a private setting, placing bets with friends on events such as football matches or horse races, and state-run lotteries.
Gambling also includes the use of devices such as fruit machines and scratchcards. These devices trigger the release of chemicals in the brain, which creates a sense of excitement and reward. As a result, many people find these devices to be highly addictive.
While many people do gamble responsibly, some gamble to an extent that poses a serious problem or risk to their health, social functioning and/or relationships. Problem gambling is a disorder that can be treated with both cognitive-behavioral therapy and self-help support groups.
Unlike other addictions, which typically involve the abuse of chemical substances, such as alcohol or illegal drugs, gambling is a behavior that can be controlled through willpower and personal responsibility. In addition, gambling does not produce the same physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms as illicit substances. However, it is still important to recognize the physical and social risks of gambling.
Research on pathological gambling is in its early stages, but there is growing evidence that individuals who experience adverse consequences from their gambling have mental problems. This change in understanding has been reflected and stimulated by the changes made to the diagnostic criteria in several editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Despite the recent increase in public awareness of the problem, gambling continues to be widely available. Accessibility is a key factor in the prevalence of gambling harms, and there is a strong link between availability and gambling disorder. Easy accessibility of gambling products, such as EGMs and online versions of casino games, promotes normalization and increases the likelihood of harm. In addition, promotional messages for these products often contain “dark nudges” that exploit cognitive biases and may contribute to the uptake of harmful products.
In order to reduce the potential for gambling-related problems, it is important to reduce access to money. This can be done by limiting access to credit cards, closing online betting accounts, giving control of financial resources to a trusted friend or family member, or implementing other methods of managing finances. Another effective strategy is to join a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which offers a 12-step program for recovery modeled after the success of Alcoholics Anonymous. In addition, it is helpful to strengthen support networks by reaching out to other groups, such as a book club, sports team, or volunteering for a cause. Lastly, it is important to seek help for your own gambling behavior by asking for assistance from a counselor or therapist. For those concerned about a loved one’s gambling, reaching out to a support network can be especially beneficial.
Gambling is risking something of value (money, assets, etc.) in an attempt to win something of greater value, such as a prize or cash. There are a variety of gambling activities, including playing card games like poker and blackjack in a private setting, placing bets with friends on events such as football matches or horse races, and state-run lotteries. Gambling also includes the use of devices such as fruit machines and scratchcards. These devices trigger the release of chemicals in the brain, which creates a sense of excitement and reward. As a result, many people find these devices to be highly addictive. While many people do gamble responsibly, some gamble to an extent that poses a serious problem or risk to their health, social functioning and/or relationships. Problem gambling is a disorder that can be treated with both cognitive-behavioral therapy and self-help support groups. Unlike other addictions, which typically involve the abuse of chemical substances, such as alcohol or illegal drugs, gambling is a behavior that can be controlled through willpower and personal responsibility. In addition, gambling does not produce the same physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms as illicit substances. However, it is still important to recognize the physical and social risks of gambling. Research on pathological gambling is in its early stages, but there is growing evidence that individuals who experience adverse consequences from their gambling have mental problems. This change in understanding has been reflected and stimulated by the changes made to the diagnostic criteria in several editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association. Despite the recent increase in public awareness of the problem, gambling continues to be widely available. Accessibility is a key factor in the prevalence of gambling harms, and there is a strong link between availability and gambling disorder. Easy accessibility of gambling products, such as EGMs and online versions of casino games, promotes normalization and increases the likelihood of harm. In addition, promotional messages for these products often contain “dark nudges” that exploit cognitive biases and may contribute to the uptake of harmful products. In order to reduce the potential for gambling-related problems, it is important to reduce access to money. This can be done by limiting access to credit cards, closing online betting accounts, giving control of financial resources to a trusted friend or family member, or implementing other methods of managing finances. Another effective strategy is to join a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which offers a 12-step program for recovery modeled after the success of Alcoholics Anonymous. In addition, it is helpful to strengthen support networks by reaching out to other groups, such as a book club, sports team, or volunteering for a cause. Lastly, it is important to seek help for your own gambling behavior by asking for assistance from a counselor or therapist. For those concerned about a loved one’s gambling, reaching out to a support network can be especially beneficial.