Gambling Addiction
Gambling is a widespread global activity that involves placing a bet on an event with a prize of value. It can take the form of betting on sports events, horse races, lottery games, casino games, and other types of entertainment. Despite its popularity, gambling is associated with a number of risks and has a negative impact on society. It is also a source of income for some people. However, for many, it is a habit that leads to financial ruin and can strain family relationships.
While the majority of people enjoy gambling, there is a minority that develops a problem and becomes dependent on it. Those with gambling addictions may experience difficulty recognizing their problem and are unable to stop the behavior, even when they suffer significant adverse consequences. This is known as compulsive or pathological gambling and is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
It’s hard to put a figure on the amount of money that is legally wagered around the world each year, but it is believed to be in excess of $10 trillion. Lotteries are the most popular form of legal gambling, but they are not alone: Speculation on sporting events is common in many countries, with organized football pools and state-licensed soccer betting available in most European and United States countries. In addition, some games of chance use materials that have a perceived value but are not money, such as marbles or the collectible game pieces in Magic: The Gathering.
Changes in the DSM nomenclature over time reflect a growing understanding of the complexity and seriousness of pathological gambling and an effort to make it more comparable to other psychiatric disorders, especially substance dependence. Nevertheless, the frequency and intensity of problem gambling differs greatly among individuals, and so any classification label is necessarily arbitrary.
There are a number of ways to overcome gambling addiction, including avoiding casinos and other gambling sites, finding alternative sources of entertainment such as working out, spending time with family and friends, or volunteering. Some people find help through a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a similar structure to Alcoholics Anonymous and can help you rebuild your life and relationships.
The first step to overcoming a gambling addiction is admitting that you have one, which can be difficult for some people, especially if they’ve lost a lot of money or strained or broken relationships as a result of their gambling. For those who want to take the next step, online therapy is an option that matches you with a therapist experienced in treating gambling addictions. BetterHelp’s free assessment is the first step in getting a personalized treatment plan for your needs. Sign up today to get started.