How to Recognize a Gambling Addiction
Gambling is putting something of value, such as money or possessions, on the outcome of an uncertain event that depends on chance. It can be played for fun, to win real money, or simply as a social activity with friends and family. However, some people can become addicted to gambling. It can have devastating effects on their health and their personal, professional and financial lives. This article explains what gambling is, how it works and how to recognize when you or someone else may have a problem.
The word gamble is derived from the Latin verb “to wager.” Historically, betting on sports, games of chance, and horse racing were common forms of gambling. More recently, it has expanded to include online casinos and video poker machines. Problem gambling affects many types of people and can be found in every socioeconomic class. Some people are more susceptible to gambling addiction than others because of genetic, environmental or psychological factors.
There are a variety of signs and symptoms of gambling addiction, including loss chasing, which is the urge to continue gambling in an attempt to win back lost money. Other symptoms include secretive behavior, lying to family and friends about gambling activities, and hiding evidence of the activity.
Some of the most important things you can do to help a loved one struggling with a gambling addiction are to offer support, encourage healthy and positive behaviors, and stay involved in their recovery process. Getting to know your loved one and understanding why they are drawn to gambling can help you understand what their triggers are and how to help them avoid or overcome these triggers. For example, you might discover that they gamble to relieve boredom or to self-soothe unpleasant feelings, such as anxiety or depression, or after a stressful day at work or an argument with their spouse. There are healthier and more productive ways to relieve boredom and stress, such as exercise, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques.
Another sign of gambling addiction is a compulsive need to bet more and more. People with this compulsion often increase their bet sizes as they lose, which can quickly lead to debt problems and even bankruptcy. In addition, they can start to feel a false sense of control by using strategies like ‘loss chasing’ – the tendency to increase their bet size in an attempt to recoup their losses. This can lead to even bigger losses, and can also cause severe psychological distress. Fortunately, there are treatments and support services available for people struggling with this problem. Inpatient or residential treatment and rehab programs are aimed at people with severe gambling addiction and who require round-the-clock care and support. These programs are usually combined with psychotherapy and other therapeutic methods. Often, these treatment programs also include family therapy and marriage, career and credit counseling to address issues that have been exacerbated by the person’s problem gambling.
