The Dangers of Gambling
Gambling involves placing a wager on an event with the possibility of winning or losing money. It is usually an activity that takes place with a real or virtual currency, but it can also involve items of value that are not cash (such as marbles in a game of marbles or trading cards in Magic: The Gathering). Some people gamble for fun, while others do so to try to gain wealth. Problem gambling can harm a person’s health, relationships and performance at work or study, as well as leave them in serious debt and even homeless. It can lead to suicide in extreme cases, although support and treatment usually help reduce suicidal thoughts and feelings. It can also cause social issues such as antisocial behaviour and strained family relationships.
Problem gambling can affect anyone at any time, though it tends to be more common among men and younger people. Some people may develop problems because of their mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression. However, many people who have not experienced a mental illness find that they can gamble safely. Some people may even be able to stop gambling, but it is important for those who do have an issue to seek professional help before things get out of control.
Some people who have a problem with gambling use it as an escape from other problems or stresses in their lives. The media often portrays gambling as a fun, sexy, glamorous and fashionable activity, which can give the impression that it is a good way to relieve boredom or stress. However, this type of escapism is often short-lived and does not resolve any underlying problems. In fact, it can often make the problems worse as debts mount and people try to ‘chase’ their losses.
Other people may gamble to get high, or to avoid low or depressed feelings. The same is true of drugs and alcohol, where the ‘high’ can actually make the lows feel worse, leading to a vicious cycle that can lead to addiction. Gambling can change a person’s brain chemistry in a similar way to drugs, and this can make them more prone to developing problems.
There are a number of ways to minimise the risk of gambling becoming a problem, including reducing access to money by limiting the number of credit cards you have or only using those that are not for betting, closing online betting accounts and keeping only a small amount of cash on you. It is also important to talk about any issues with a trusted friend or family member, and consider seeing a counsellor for professional help. Setting short and long term goals can also be helpful in managing your gambling habits.
