When Gambling Becomes a Problem
Gambling is risky and involves a great deal of chance. When done compulsively, it can lead to depression and other psychological problems. In addition, it can damage relationships and cost people money. It can also lead to illegal activities. It’s important to recognize when gambling is a problem and get help for it.
Pathological gambling (PG) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent and maladaptive patterns of gambling behavior. It often begins in adolescence or young adulthood and affects men and women equally. Those with PG have trouble controlling their urges to gamble and experience intense distress when they do not have access to gambling opportunities. PG is related to genetics and biological processes that influence how the brain interprets rewards, controls impulses and weighs risk.
It is normal for some people to occasionally gamble with their friends or family members, but many people are unable to control their gambling behaviors and become a problem. There are many ways to treat a gambling disorder and counseling can be a good place to start. Counseling can teach coping skills, address other issues that may be contributing to the behavior and help you make healthy changes.
There are four main reasons why people gamble. They might do it for social reasons – it might be what they do with a group of friends, or because they enjoy the rush and “high” that comes from winning. They might gamble for financial reasons, such as to win a jackpot that would change their lifestyle. Or they might do it because it’s fun, or to try and find a way to beat the odds (e.g., by placing a bet on a football game or scratchcard).
