The Risks of Gambling and How to Recognise a Problem
Gambling is an activity in which people bet money or something else of value on an event that has a chance of occurring. It can be done at a casino, online or by telephone. It is legal in most countries and is a common pastime, but it can also be harmful. It is important to know the risks of gambling and how to recognise a problem.
Gambling affects the brain, particularly the reward centre. The brain’s natural desire to seek rewards makes it easy to become addicted to gambling. It may also be triggered by other factors, including personality traits, coexisting mental health conditions and family history.
When you gamble, your body releases a feel-good neurotransmitter called dopamine. This chemical is responsible for the ‘rush’ that people experience when winning, and it can make it difficult to stop. In addition, many people can become emotionally dependent on the euphoric feelings that gambling can provide.
Aside from the emotional component, gambling can be a great source of socialising and even entertainment. In fact, research has shown that individuals who participate in gambling have higher levels of happiness than those who do not. This is because gambling enables individuals to study patterns, be observant and challenge their intelligence.
Similarly, engaging in hobbies such as reading, writing or gardening can provide an outlet for emotions and help to reduce stress. Physical exercise can also release endorphins and improve mood. In addition, a healthy diet and adequate sleep can increase resilience to stress. If you are concerned about a loved one’s gambling, try speaking with them openly and honestly. Suggest they call a helpline, see a healthcare professional or join a peer support group like Gamblers Anonymous.
For people with a gambling disorder, it is important to avoid activities that trigger the behaviour. It is also helpful to create a stable home environment and engage in therapy to change negative thought patterns that can lead to gambling. Psychodynamic therapy, for example, can teach you to be more self-aware and understand how unconscious processes influence your actions.
When you are ready to quit, talk about your concerns with someone who won’t judge you. This could be a family member, friend or a gambling counsellor. Moreover, it is vital to limit financial risk factors by keeping credit cards and nonessential cash at home and avoiding gambling venues. Find a new way to socialise and develop an interest in an alternative hobby that will fill the void left by your gambling addiction. You can also learn to practice mindfulness, which is a technique that helps you be more aware of your thoughts and feelings so that you can catch unhealthy gambling behaviours as they arise. In addition, psychotherapy can help you identify and challenge irrational beliefs like the illusion of control and the gambler’s fallacy. This will reduce the urge to gamble and increase your chances of achieving recovery. You can also try meditation, yoga or a breathing exercise to reduce your stress.