The Risks and Dangers of Gambling
Gambling is an activity in which you place a bet on something of value, such as money, merchandise or services, with the intention of winning something in return. Whether you’re betting on a game of chance, playing the lottery or placing bets at your local casino, gambling is all around us and it’s part of the human experience. However, there are risks associated with gambling that can cause addiction or lead to financial ruin.
There are many different types of gambling, including slot machines, sports betting and online poker. But regardless of the type of gambling you participate in, the psychology behind it is similar: When you bet, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel excited. Combined with the desire to feel a rush, these factors can cause problems in people who are prone to addictive behaviors.
In addition to the risk of losing valuable assets, there are several psychological and social issues that can arise as a result of problematic gambling. For instance, gambling is often associated with a rise in crime and can contribute to poverty and family breakdown. It can also be a source of stress, depression and anxiety. In some cases, the urge to gamble can even become a symptom of mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
If you’re worried about your own or a loved one’s gambling habits, there are steps that you can take to address the issue. For example, you can reach out to a therapist or counselor who specializes in gambling addiction. BetterHelp is an online service that matches you with licensed therapists who can help you tackle problems related to gambling, relationships and more. You can start by taking a free assessment at BetterHelp to get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Another way to reduce the temptation to gamble is to make sure that your finances are in order. If you have credit cards or other debts, consider consolidating them to lower your monthly payments and interest rates. You can also set boundaries for spending and stick to them. In addition, it’s important to build a support network to lean on. Consider joining a book club, sports team or education class, volunteering for a charity or joining a gambling recovery program such as Gam-Anon, which follows a 12-step approach to recovery similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.
If you’re a family member of someone with a gambling problem, try to avoid using their credit card to finance your own purchases. If your loved one doesn’t have a solid support system, it can be easier to rationalize requests for “just this once” than it would be if they had a strong group of supportive peers. You can also reach out to family therapy and marriage, career or credit counseling.
