Gambling has always been a popular pastime and is a major source of income for many people. Whether it’s visiting Las Vegas, Atlantic City or Macau, taking a spin at a slot machine, placing a bet on a horse race or playing online poker, gambling has become more accessible and accepted than ever before. Nevertheless, some people develop a gambling disorder that can lead to serious problems. Understanding what makes some people more susceptible to developing a problem can help improve prevention and treatment strategies.
Over the years, understanding of the adverse consequences of excessive gambling has undergone profound change. In the past, individuals who experienced such consequences were viewed as having recreational interests or poor mathematical skills and were thought to be suffering from cognitive distortions or moral turpitude. Today, however, we understand that there is a specific mental illness called pathological gambling and recognize it as an impulse control disorder.
Pathological gambling is characterized by a preoccupation with gambling, difficulty controlling one’s behavior, irrational thinking and a continuing pattern of behavior despite adverse consequences. It is a common condition and affects more men than women. It is also very prevalent in people with low incomes and those who begin gambling at a young age.
People who have a gambling addiction may be secretive or lie about how much they gamble, and they may try to justify their behavior by telling themselves that they are just having a bad run or they’re due for a big win. They may spend time away from work, family and other hobbies to gamble and even take out loans or credit cards to fund their habit. Some individuals may even attempt suicide as a result of their addiction.
A gambling disorder can be difficult to treat, but there are a number of programs available to assist with recovery. Inpatient or residential gambling rehab centers can provide round-the-clock support and teach coping strategies to overcome the urge to gamble. Some individuals with a gambling disorder may also benefit from family therapy and marriage, career and credit counseling to address the emotional and financial consequences of their addiction.
In order to prevent a recurrence of gambling disorder, it is important for individuals to start with a fixed amount of money they can afford to lose and not spend more than that. They should also avoid chasing their losses, which involves betting more in an effort to recoup lost funds. It is also helpful to find healthier ways to self-soothe unpleasant feelings, such as spending time with friends who don’t gamble or practicing relaxation techniques.
Another way to reduce the risk of gambling disorders is to stop using gambling as a way to relieve boredom or negative emotions, such as sadness or anger. Instead, individuals can learn to find healthy and more effective ways to manage their moods and alleviate boredom, such as exercising, meditating or spending time with loved ones who don’t gamble. They can also learn to manage their finances in a more responsible manner by setting budgets and taking steps to remove their credit card information from websites they visit to place bets.