Gambling evokes a gamut of human emotions and behaviors that are triggered by both winning and losing. While the vast majority of individuals who participate in gambling do so without problems, a small subset becomes seriously involved and develops a form of compulsive gambling called gambling disorder that can have substantial negative personal, social, family and financial consequences.
Gamblers experience a number of cognitive distortions when they gamble. These include a false sense of confidence and an overestimation of their chances of winning. They often fail to recognize that they will inevitably lose money and become obsessed with trying to win back their losses, which is known as chasing their losses. They also fail to acknowledge that the more money they spend on gambling, the more likely they are to lose.
The prevalence of gambling in society is the result of a combination of factors. These include societal changes that place an inordinate emphasis on money and the bottom line, as well as social, cultural and political trends that encourage the pursuit of fantasy, wealth and moments of grandeur. The growing availability of technology that facilitates gambling has also contributed to its expansion. The Internet has allowed people to place bets from the comfort of their own homes and on their mobile phones.
Individuals who experience a problem with gambling can often recognize their addiction and seek help. Some ways to manage a gambling addiction include strengthening one’s support network, finding new activities that will occupy one’s time and avoiding triggers such as casinos or sports events. Other helpful strategies include engaging in exercise, rekindling an old hobby and joining a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous.
A gambling addiction can be difficult to overcome, but it is possible. It is important to learn to identify and challenge unhealthy thought patterns, such as the illusion of control, irrational beliefs and the gambler’s fallacy, which can increase compulsive gambling. It is also a good idea to avoid the places where you used to gamble and leave credit cards and other nonessential cash at home.
Another way to combat a gambling addiction is to set time limits for how long you will gamble and then stick to it. It is also important to find new and positive ways to occupy your time, such as exercising, spending time with friends or volunteering for a cause. Moreover, it is crucial to only gamble with money you can afford to lose and not use funds that are intended for essentials such as rent or food. Lastly, you can also try to distract yourself by listening to music, reading or taking a short walk. Ultimately, the best way to deal with a gambling addiction is to get professional treatment if necessary. This will help you recover from your addiction and regain control of your life.