How to Recognize a Gambling Disorder
Gambling is the wagering of something of value (money, property or other items) on a random event, where instances of strategy are discounted. While many people enjoy gambling, some people develop a problem that can impact their personal and professional lives. The most common form of gambling is the purchase of lottery tickets or scratchcards. Other forms include betting on sports, playing casino games and online poker. The total amount of money wagered on gambling in the world is estimated to be around $10 trillion, with most of it being legally wagered in casinos and lotteries.
Most adults and adolescents in the United States have placed some type of bet, and most do so without problems. However, a subset of those who begin gambling experience problematic gambling, which is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a recurrent pattern of betting that results in substantial distress or impairment. This problem is more prevalent in lower-income groups and mainly affects men and boys.
There are a number of warning signs that indicate someone may have a problem with gambling. These warnings can include an increased urge to gamble, difficulty controlling one’s gambling habits and a desire to spend more time gambling. In addition, people with gambling disorders often exhibit poor family relations and can suffer from unfulfilling careers or hobbies.
A person who has a gambling disorder is also likely to feel depressed or anxious and may become argumentative or aggressive. In some cases, gambling can lead to addiction and even serious legal issues. The most severe form of gambling addiction is considered compulsive gambling, which is characterized by an irresistible urge to gamble despite negative consequences. This can include a loss of control over one’s finances, debt, or job and can cause major disruptions in an individual’s life.
The most effective way to treat a gambling disorder is to attend therapy. Therapy for problem gambling can focus on addressing the root causes of an individual’s addictive behavior. Generally, this will involve family therapy and marriage counseling as well as credit and career counseling. Additionally, individuals can join a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a 12-step recovery program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous.
A common misconception is that gambling is only about the money, but this is not true. There are a number of other emotions associated with gambling, including stress, regret and guilt. These feelings can build up over time, even if an individual does not bet often or in large amounts. For this reason, it is important to set limits on how much time a person can spend gambling and to avoid betting if feeling down. It is also helpful to find healthy ways to cope with negative emotions such as depression or anxiety. These activities can include exercising, spending time with friends and family, or taking part in a hobby. The most important thing to remember is that gambling should never interfere with or replace other valuable activities in a person’s life.