Gambling Disorders
Gambling is an activity in which someone places something of value at risk on the outcome of an event that is determined by chance. The object of gambling can be money or objects of value, such as merchandise, services, or other assets. It is illegal in some areas and is subject to strict state and federal regulations. The risk involved in gambling can be high and can lead to problems, including addiction.
While the majority of people who gamble do so responsibly, some develop a gambling problem that can affect their lives and those of their families and friends. Problem gambling is a complex issue, and many factors can contribute to it, such as family history, age, genetics, environment, and social and cultural influences. People who have a family member with a gambling disorder are at higher risk of developing it themselves.
In the United States, 2.5 million adults meet diagnostic criteria for a severe gambling problem in any given year. Another 5-8 million people have mild or moderate gambling problems. Some of these individuals are in denial about their gambling behavior and are not receiving treatment. Others are dependent on family members or others to provide them with money for gambling.
Although the prevalence of gambling disorders is relatively low, the problem can have serious ramifications. A person with a gambling disorder may lose their job, fail to pay their bills, or get into legal trouble. In addition, they often suffer from depression or other emotional disorders. Some people even commit crimes to fund their gambling habits.
Research suggests that impulsiveness is an important element of gambling behavior. The relationship between impulsiveness and gambling is a complex one, however. It is possible that different dimensions of impulsiveness, such as sensation- and novelty-seeking, arousal, and negative emotionality, interact to influence the initiation and progression of gambling.
In the past, the adverse consequences of excessive gambling were viewed as a moral flaw or character weakness. Today, understanding of these adverse outcomes has shifted and it is understood that gambling disorders are psychological issues. This shift has been reflected in and promoted by the clinical classification of pathological gambling in the various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
While DSM nomenclature has stressed the similarity of pathological gambling to substance abuse, there is no consensus on what exactly it is that causes gambling disorders. Depending on their disciplinary background, research scientists, psychiatrists, and other treatment care clinicians have framed this question from a variety of perspectives. These varied views have stimulated much discussion and debate.
In some cases, psychotherapy can help people with gambling disorder. Examples of therapies include psychodynamic therapy, in which a therapist looks at unconscious processes that can influence your behavior, and group therapy, which can be a valuable source of motivation and moral support for those with gambling disorder. These types of therapeutic interventions can help you learn to control your impulses, stop harmful behaviors, and build healthy relationships.