Gambling is a form of risk-taking in which people stake something of value, such as money, goods or services, on the outcome of a game or contest. It is a popular pastime for many people and can be found in a variety of settings, including casinos, horse racing tracks, and online gaming. While gambling is not necessarily an indication of mental health problems, it can be harmful for some people, especially those who are addicted to it.
Problem gambling can affect all age groups, but it is more common among young adults and men. Pathological gambling (PG) is characterized by persistent and recurrent maladaptive patterns of gambling behavior. Approximately 0.1-4.6% of Americans meet criteria for PG, and the condition usually develops in adolescence or early adulthood. It is more prevalent in males than females, and PG tends to begin with strategic or “face-to-face” forms of gambling, such as poker or blackjack, rather than nonstrategic forms, like slot machines or bingo.
Psychiatry has traditionally considered gambling to be an impulse control disorder, but in the last decade there has been a growing recognition that it can also be a serious addictive disorder. Studies have shown that gambling is associated with increased rates of depression, anxiety and suicide. It is important to know how to identify a gambling problem so that you can seek help.
There are several options for treatment of a gambling addiction, including psychotherapy and support groups. The most effective therapy for a gambling disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people challenge their negative beliefs about gambling. For example, people who have a gambling addiction may believe that they are more likely to win than other people, that certain rituals will bring them luck, or that they can make up for lost money by betting more. CBT teaches people to identify and change these beliefs so that they can stop gambling.
Psychotherapy can also include family therapy, which focuses on helping loved ones understand the problem and provide support. Marriage, career and credit counseling are often available to help individuals overcome the financial and personal issues that have developed as a result of their gambling problem.
It is also important to recognize that some people gamble for coping reasons. They may do so to relieve boredom or loneliness, as a way to socialize with friends, or to escape from anxiety or stress. It is important to learn how to relieve unpleasant feelings in healthy ways, such as exercise, spending time with loved ones, or meditation. Attempting to compensate for unpleasant feelings by gambling can lead to even more problems in the long run.