Problem Gambling
Gambling is a form of entertainment that gives people a rush when they win, and it can also provide an escape from daily worries and a sense of achievement when they achieve a goal such as winning the lottery. However, problem gambling can have serious consequences for the gambler and those around them, including financial, psychological, emotional and social issues.
The reason why gambling may become addictive is that when someone wins, they release a chemical called dopamine into their brain which makes them feel good. People with a problem gambling disorder are more sensitive to this dopamine response than those who don’t, and this can lead to the person thinking that they will continue to gamble in order to recoup their losses or win back previous profits. This is known as the ‘gambler’s fallacy’ and is a key factor in why gambling becomes problematic.
Having a good understanding of why your loved one gambles can help you to see the situation more clearly and avoid making comments that could be unhelpful. People gamble for a variety of reasons, such as the socialization aspect of it (it brings people together), a desire to win money and even for coping reasons (to forget their problems or gain self-confidence). Casinos promote these social reasons by fostering a sense of status and specialness. They are designed to be exciting and appealing to the senses and can create a feeling of adrenaline, just like drugs do.
