Gambling is a popular past time that provides excitement and a rush of pleasure. But it can also cause significant problems for some people, including strained or broken relationships, loss of employment, financial hardship and even depression. People with problem gambling can become overwhelmed by their emotions and struggle to cope with life’s everyday challenges. In some cases, they can become suicidal. Problem gambling is also called compulsive gambling or pathological gambling and it can be difficult to recognize in yourself or a loved one. It’s important to know the warning signs and seek help.
When gambling becomes a serious problem, it stops being entertainment and turns into a way to profit or escape from problems. It changes how the brain processes reward and risk, making it hard to stop, even if the person is losing money. It’s also often accompanied by unhealthy coping mechanisms like avoiding stress, hiding from problems and turning to other addictive activities like drugs or alcohol.
Problem gambling can affect anyone and it’s hard to spot in yourself or a loved one, especially since there are no visible physical signs or symptoms. It’s also common for problem gamblers to lie, steal and hide money from family or friends to fund their habit. They may also develop health and mental problems such as depression, anxiety or high blood pressure because of their gambling. The stress caused by gambling can also lead to poor work performance and even legal problems like embezzlement or theft.
There are many things that can trigger problem gambling. Some of these include an early big win, boredom susceptibility, the illusion of control, impulsivity, poor understanding of random events and using gambling as an escape from boredom or distress. Other contributing factors can be mood disorders, such as depression, and other addictions, such as drugs or alcohol.
While it’s not easy to break the habit, it is possible to overcome gambling problems with help. It’s a good idea to talk about your gambling with someone who won’t judge you, such as a friend or a counselor. It’s also important to reduce gambling triggers by removing temptation, such as eliminating casinos or changing your route to work so you don’t pass them. It’s also helpful to find healthy ways to entertain yourself, such as taking up a new hobby or exercising.
BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist who can help you address the underlying issues that are causing your gambling problem. Get started by taking our online assessment and we’ll match you with a therapist within 48 hours. Our therapists can help with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, family problems and gambling. They can also provide marriage, relationship and credit counseling. You can also find a local support group through our directory of addiction treatment programs.