Dealing With Gambling Disorders
Gambling is an activity where people stake something of value (like money) on an outcome that is determined by chance. This can include activities such as lotteries, sports betting, card games and casino games – as well as other activities like online gaming, video games and virtual reality that involve gambling elements. Gambling is governed by state and federal laws that limit the means and places where it can take place and regulates the odds of winning and losing.
While most adults and adolescents in the United States have placed some type of bet, a small subset of those who gamble go on to develop a problem known as gambling disorder. This is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition as a pattern of gambling that causes distress or impairment. This problem can lead to serious financial and social problems that can be devastating.
Those who have a gambling disorder may have difficulty with impulse control, risk taking and loss of control over their betting habits. They might be unable to stop gambling even when they are experiencing significant losses, and they might continue to gamble in order to try to recover their losses. They might also have difficulty with maintaining healthy relationships and fulfilling work and family responsibilities.
It is important to realize that a gambling disorder is a treatable condition. There are many resources available to help those with a gambling disorder, including support groups and treatment programs. In addition, those who have a gambling disorder should consider seeking treatment for any underlying mood disorders that they might have. Depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder can all trigger gambling problems or make them worse.
The first step to addressing a gambling problem is reducing access to money. This can be done by removing gambling apps from your phone and computer, closing your online betting accounts, locking your credit cards or leaving them with a spouse or friend who is not allowed to use them for gambling purposes, and putting a limit on the amount of cash you carry in your wallet or purse. Lastly, you should avoid tempting environments where gambling is popular.
Another important factor to consider is never chasing your losses. The feeling of despair and loss following a big lose can lead to further gambling sprees in an attempt to recoup the money that was lost. This is a dangerous and often unsuccessful strategy. It can even cause you to experience a relapse after a lapse.
Having the right support and creating new activities that are satisfying can help you change your relationship with gambling. You can also find pleasure in other activities, such as exercise and eating nutritious food. This will change your brain chemistry and cell structure, so that the feelings that are associated with gambling will no longer be as strong.