Gambling is the risking of something of value (money or other assets) on an event involving chance, such as a lottery, a game of cards, or sports betting. For some individuals, the activity becomes more than a recreational pursuit and leads to serious problems that affect personal, family, and professional life. These problems can be a result of distorted thinking, diminished mathematical abilities, poor judgment, and an inability to control impulses.
Problem gamblers can be of any age, gender, race or social class. They may live in small towns or large cities and work in all industries, including the financial, health care, government, and education sectors. They can also have significant social problems and often rely on others for money. People with a gambling disorder have the highest suicide rate of all addictive disorders and are at high risk for other health problems.
Individuals with a gambling problem can be secretive about their activities and lie to friends and family about how much they spend, feeling that others won’t understand or that they will surprise them with a win. They also tend to avoid discussing their addiction with a doctor or therapist and may engage in illegal acts, such as forgery, fraud, and theft, to finance their gambling. They frequently feel depressed, guilty, and anxious, and have difficulty making decisions.
If you are concerned that you have a gambling problem, try to reduce the amount of time you spend gambling and stick to a fixed limit on how much money you will play with. Find other ways to socialize or relax and learn healthier coping mechanisms. It’s important to avoid chasing losses, as the more you gamble in a bid to win back your money, the more likely you are to lose even more.