The Dangers of Gambling
People gamble for all sorts of reasons – the adrenaline rush of winning, socialising with friends or escaping from worries or stress. However, for some it can turn into a destructive addiction that leads to debt and even bankruptcy. It’s important to understand the dangers of gambling, and if you or someone you know has a problem, get help immediately. There are many resources available – from support groups to self-help tips.
What makes it hard for some people to stop? Humans are biologically motivated to seek rewards – spending time with loved ones, eating a meal or enjoying a hobby all give us a dopamine boost in the brain. But when we gamble, our brain is exposed to different stimuli and we don’t experience the same reward. This is because gambling changes the way our brain sends chemical messages, and it can also affect our emotional regulation.
Some people develop a problem with gambling because of certain personal characteristics or coexisting mental health conditions. Others are triggered by environmental factors like poverty, family pressure or lack of social support. And finally, the addictive nature of gambling can be exacerbated by a number of psychological and physiological factors including reduced activation of the prefrontal cortex, and a tendency to downplay or lie about gambling behaviors. These are all risk factors for developing pathological gambling, which is now recognised as an impulse control disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Gambling is often portrayed as an exciting, fun and glamorous activity in the media. This can lead to some people believing that they are in control of their gambling and have the ability to stop at any time. In reality, gambling is not a predictable activity and the odds of losing are higher than they’d like to admit.
Another reason why some people gamble is to relieve boredom or loneliness. This is especially common in the digital age, when individuals spend huge amounts of time on video games and other apps that require micro-transactions or payment. Gambling can also provide a way to escape from the everyday stresses of life and provide a sense of adventure and excitement.
A final factor is the desire to feel in control. This is because gambling is often unpredictable, and some people attempt to manipulate the odds by performing rituals such as wearing lucky charms or sitting in a specific place. Regardless of the causes, it’s vital to recognize that gambling can be an addictive behaviour and that there are many ways to get help.
Seeking treatment and advice from a professional is the best course of action. Whether through cognitive behavioural therapy, peer support or family and marriage counselling, there are many options available to you. Moreover, you should always start with a fixed amount of money that you’re willing to lose. Once you’ve lost that amount, walk away from the table. If you need more assistance, contact a national helpline or go to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.