The Dangers of Gambling
Gambling is an activity where you risk something of value, such as money or a valuable item, on an event that is determined by chance. It can take place at a casino, race track, horse or dog track, online, or in other settings. The activity can be pleasurable, but it can also become an addiction. An addiction to gambling can affect your work, relationships and health. It can cause serious financial problems, and can even lead to stealing or other illegal activities to fund your habit.
Some people are more vulnerable to developing a problem than others. People who have low incomes and are younger may be more likely to develop a gambling disorder than those with higher incomes and older age. Additionally, research shows that males are more likely to develop a gambling disorder than females.
People can be influenced by many factors when they gamble, including their personality and social and family environment. They can also be affected by their level of education, whether they have friends who gamble, and the types of gambling they engage in. People who have a mental illness or have been diagnosed with depression, bipolar or other mood disorders are more prone to developing a gambling problem.
Occasional gambling can be a fun and exciting way to spend time, but if you or someone you know is gambling as a way to distract themselves from other problems or feelings or is spending more than they can afford, it can be a problem. If you are concerned about yourself or a friend, get non-judgemental support by calling GamCare.
The main reason why people get into gambling is that it gives them a rush of excitement. It activates the brain’s reward system, which is similar to the reaction we have when taking drugs. However, unlike drugs, gambling does not have any health benefits and it can cause problems when abused.
Most people who gamble do so for entertainment purposes, such as playing a game of poker or blackjack. But there are a number of other reasons for gambling that can be harmful. Some of these include:
Pathological gambling is an addictive and compulsive behaviour that affects the whole person, their family and society. People with this problem are often desperate to recoup their losses and will go to extreme lengths to do so, such as lying, stealing or even putting their lives at risk.
It’s hard to overcome a gambling problem without help. Reach out to your support network and find other ways to have fun, such as exercising, joining a book club or taking up an interest. You can also join a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.
