Gambling is an activity in which a person risks something of value for the chance to win a prize. This activity may take many forms, including casino gambling, lotteries, racetrack betting and sports betting. While most adults and adolescents have placed some type of bet, some people develop a gambling disorder, defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as an irresistible urge to gamble despite negative consequences. Gambling can occur at casinos, but also at gas stations, churches and sporting events. Some people even place bets on the Internet.
Behavioral therapy and other treatment methods can help a gambler overcome compulsive gambling. Treatment options can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in which a therapist helps a patient identify and change unhealthy thinking patterns, and family or group therapy. In addition, treatment can include medication for any underlying conditions that contribute to the problem.
People with a gambling disorder often feel secretive about their gambling, as they believe others will not understand or that they will “surprise” them with a big win. They may even lie about how much they spend or try to cover up their losses. They may even become obsessed with trying to get money back, often upping their bets in the hopes of winning it all back. These compulsions can lead to serious financial problems, debt and bankruptcy.
In addition to the monetary costs of gambling, there are other costs and benefits that can be observed at the personal, interpersonal and community/societal levels. At the personal level, these impacts are invisible to gamblers and involve emotional and psychological stress. At the interpersonal level, these impacts involve those who are close to a gambler, such as friends and family. At the societal/community level, these impacts are visible to those who are not gamblers and can include changes in society, such as economic activities and investments, as well as social and health benefits.
A few of the benefits of gambling include economic growth, increased tax revenues and tourism, and job gains and losses. Other benefits are social and health-related, such as reduced stress and improved self-esteem. Some of the negatives associated with gambling include family and personal relationships, addiction, high suicide rates, social stigma, and a lack of accountability.
If you have a gambling problem, the best way to combat it is to strengthen your support network. If possible, try to make new friends outside of gambling-related groups. Consider joining a book club, enrolling in an education class or volunteering for a charity. In addition, you can seek help from a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on a 12-step recovery program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. It can be helpful to find a sponsor who has experienced staying free from gambling and who can provide guidance and support. Alternatively, you can look for local referral resources such as certified gambling counselors and intensive treatment programs in your area.