Gambling involves wagering something of value on a random event with the hope of winning something else of value. It ranges from lottery tickets and betting on games of chance by people who have little to no money to sophisticated casino gambling that can yield huge profits for those with wealth. Regardless of the amount of money involved, gambling can be dangerous and even lead to addiction.
The key to overcoming gambling problems is acknowledging there’s an issue. Then you can seek help, whether through counseling, support groups or a treatment center. People with a gambling disorder can come from any background, race or religion, and are often just looking for excitement, the dream of winning big, or escape from daily problems or stress. Many who struggle with this condition also have an underlying mood disorder like depression or anxiety, which can trigger compulsive gambling and make it harder to quit.
Research has found that there are many factors that can contribute to problematic gambling, including the expectation of an early big win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity, a poor understanding of random events and the use of escape coping. In addition, some individuals have a genetic predisposition for thrill-seeking behaviour and an underactive reward system, making them more susceptible to problem gambling.
Besides seeking therapy, it’s important to avoid triggers that can set off an episode of gambling. For example, don’t gamble after a meal or during a stressful day. Instead, try exercising, socializing with friends who don’t gamble and practicing relaxation techniques. If you’re struggling with a gambling disorder, BetterHelp can match you with licensed therapists who specialize in depression and anxiety. Take the assessment and get matched in as few as 48 hours.