How Gambling Affects Your Life
Gambling is a risky activity where you place something of value on a random event for the chance to win something else of value. It is a form of entertainment that many people take part in for fun, social or financial reasons. For some, gambling can become a habit and lead to problems that affect their everyday lives. These problems can range from losing money to putting their family, work and relationships at risk. Problematic gambling can even cause physical harm and self-harm. The good news is that if you find help, life can start to feel normal again.
The human brain is wired to seek rewards. When we spend time with loved ones, eat food or exercise, our body releases a chemical called dopamine that makes us feel happy. Problem gamblers often turn to other activities like drinking alcohol or illicit drugs to satisfy their craving for reward, but these activities often have a negative impact on the person’s health. The highs and lows of gambling can also alter the structure and chemistry of your brain, which can have lasting impacts on your mental health.
When someone is addicted to gambling, their brain’s natural reward system is hijacked by repeated exposure to the highs and lows of the activity. They are unable to make decisions that reflect the long-term consequences of their actions. Those with a gambling problem are also more likely to use unhealthy escape coping strategies, such as lying, downplaying or hiding their behavior from others. This can contribute to their inability to manage finances, work or school and can cause them to be depressed and anxious.
There are a number of psychological factors that can contribute to gambling addiction, including an early big win, impulsivity and a poor understanding of the concept of probability. Boredom susceptibility, a desire to feel in control and the use of gambling as a way to escape from boredom or stress can also contribute to someone developing a gambling disorder.
Taking risks can be very satisfying, but it is important to remember that the odds are against you. Despite this, many people will gamble because they enjoy the excitement of the anticipation, which is often followed by a ‘high’. Unfortunately, these ‘highs’ are short-lived and the ‘lows’ that follow are much more devastating than the initial loss.
The good news is that if you can find help, your brain can be rebalanced and the rewards it seeks from healthy behaviors can return. However, it is essential to get help before the damage becomes too great. If you have any thoughts of suicide, contact a helpline or visit your GP immediately.
There are several different ways to study the costs and benefits of gambling, but a lot of research has focused on economic measures. These are easy to quantify, but they neglect the intangible social costs that occur when a person is struggling with a gambling problem. Studies that use quality of life weights (also known as disability weights) have a better chance of uncovering these intangible costs.
