Recognising the Signs of Gambling Disorder
Gambling is an activity in which you stake something of value on the chance of winning a prize. It’s an activity that has been popular in the United States for centuries, although it was suppressed by law for a long time. In the 21st century, however, gambling has become incredibly widespread and accessible to people all over the world thanks to online casinos and betting apps that can be downloaded onto mobile devices. The accessibility of gambling is part of the reason why some people develop a problem with it. Recognising the signs of harm associated with gambling is important, and can be the first step in reaching out for support.
There are many reasons why people gamble. Some people do it for social reasons, such as being with a group of friends who gamble together. Others do it for financial reasons, thinking they could win a lot of money and change their lifestyle. Others do it for entertainment, as the thrill of winning can be very addictive. For this reason, it’s important not to mix your gambling activities with other tasks that require concentration such as driving or operating machinery.
It’s also important to recognise that gambling is not a reliable way to make money. The chances of winning are always based on random chance, and a person is more likely to lose than to win. This is why it is recommended not to use money that you need to pay bills or rent on gambling, and to never ‘chase’ your losses – which means trying to recoup a loss by betting more money in the hope of regaining what was lost. This is known as the chasing effect, and can be particularly damaging to young people.
Many people start gambling for a variety of different reasons, and some people may be more at risk of developing a gambling disorder than others. For example, some research has suggested that people with certain genes may be more susceptible to gambling problems. This is because they are more likely to be impulsive and seek sensations and novelty, and can have trouble controlling their emotions or resisting urges.
There is also a cultural element to gambling, and some communities may have shared thoughts or values that can make it hard to recognise when someone has a problem. Some people may find it difficult to acknowledge that they have a gambling addiction, and may not want to talk about it.
If you have a loved one who is struggling with a gambling addiction, it’s important to understand why they are doing what they are doing and not react to them negatively. Gambling can be very addictive and cause a lot of damage, so it’s important to try and help them overcome it. This may involve professional help, such as counselling or residential treatment programmes. It may also involve a gradual withdrawal from the activity, and setting limits on how much they can spend.
