When Does Gambling Become a Problem?
Gambling is the act of risking something of value for the chance to win more valuable goods or services. It is a common pastime of many people and one that can offer excitement, fun, and even social interaction. However, for some people gambling becomes a problem that affects their life in negative ways. Gambling is a very complicated issue and it is important to understand the risks involved.
Almost everyone has placed a bet at some point in their lives. In fact, young people are the fastest growing group of gamblers and many start at an early age. Although most adults and adolescents gamble responsibly, a small percentage develop gambling disorders. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition), a person with a gambling disorder has a persistent recurrent pattern of gambling that causes significant distress or impairment. Despite repeated unsuccessful efforts to control or cut back on gambling, the person continues to gamble and often lies about how much he or she is spending.
While some people may think gambling is an innocent hobby, it can be a dangerous addiction that has serious consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Those who gamble can lose more than they can afford, and some end up accumulating debts that make it difficult to pay their bills. Gambling can also cause family problems, including violence and estrangement from spouses. In addition, some gamblers become dependent on drugs or alcohol in order to cope with their gambling behavior.
When does gambling become a problem? In some cases, the amount of money lost is a warning sign that a person is gambling too much. However, in most cases it is the overall impact that gambling has on a person’s life that should be of concern. If the behavior is affecting relationships, employment, or the person’s physical or mental health then it is time to seek help.
Changing harmful gambling behaviors is the key to recovery. To get started, set limits in managing money; remove credit cards from the household; and have someone else monitor bank and credit card statements. Another helpful tool is to find a peer support program such as Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. Other supportive options include attending counseling sessions for family, marriage, career, and credit issues. A therapist can help identify the underlying problems that are contributing to gambling addiction, as well as provide tools for dealing with them. Finally, it is important to strengthen your support network by finding new activities that will keep you away from casinos and other places where gambling occurs. These can be as simple as joining a book club, sports team, or volunteer organization.
Gambling is the act of risking something of value for the chance to win more valuable goods or services. It is a common pastime of many people and one that can offer excitement, fun, and even social interaction. However, for some people gambling becomes a problem that affects their life in negative ways. Gambling is…