Although most people participate in gambling for enjoyment, a small group develop a more serious addiction. This occurs when a person gambles to the point where it has negative psychological, family, social and financial impacts.
Gambling involves placing a bet on a random event with the hope of winning something of value. Various games can be played, from blackjack and poker to roulette and sports betting. Each game involves the use of a strategy to overcome the odds and win. People often gamble to escape from their problems, for the adrenaline rush or to socialise. It is also common for people to gamble as a way of occupying themselves, especially if they are unable to find work.
Many people who are addicted to gambling will lie about their behaviour and attempt to hide their involvement from others. They will also try to recoup their losses by gambling more, often referred to as “chasing their losses”. This cycle can be very hard to break and it is important for those who are struggling to seek help.
There are a number of treatment options available, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. CBT helps people to identify faulty thoughts and behaviors, such as the belief that they are “due to win” after a string of losses, and learns tools to change these harmful patterns. Motivational interviewing is a type of psychotherapy that works with individuals to enhance their motivation to change by exploring their ambivalence about the need to do so. Other treatments include medication and support groups. It is also vital to address any other mental health issues that may be contributing to gambling problems, such as depression and anxiety.