Gambling is the betting of something of value, usually money, on an uncertain event determined at least in part by chance. It includes games of chance, but also those in which skill can improve a person\u2019s odds. Examples include horse racing, playing card games, and lotteries. It doesn\u2019t include business transactions based on contracts, such as the purchase of stocks or securities, or the purchase of health or life insurance.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a strong connection between gambling and mental health problems. Some people start gambling as a way to cope with stress or to distract themselves from other issues, and they can become addicted to the rush of winning. Some people even start gambling to try and make up for financial problems, which can lead to debt.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to recognise the signs of gambling addiction, so you can seek help. If you\u2019re having trouble controlling your gambling, talk to a doctor or psychologist about it. They can give you advice and refer you to a specialist service if necessary. Other ways to get support are to join a peer group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step recovery model used by Alcoholics Anonymous. You can also find a counsellor, who is a trained professional, to help you overcome your gambling problems.<\/p>\n
Gambling affects the reward center of your brain, and humans are wired to seek rewards. This is why it\u2019s so hard to stop gambling once you\u2019ve started. When you gamble, your brain produces dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel happy and excited. This is why it\u2019s so easy to fall into the trap of gambling addiction \u2013 you keep thinking about it because of the pleasure you get from it, but when you lose, you feel depressed and anxious.<\/p>\n
Some people may think that if they just put in a little bit more, they\u2019ll hit the jackpot and retire on their private island. But this is the gambler\u2019s fallacy, and it doesn\u2019t work. Instead, you\u2019ll end up losing more and more. Other signs of gambling addiction are downplaying or lying about your gambling habits, and continuing to gamble even when it\u2019s causing you harm, such as having financial difficulties or losing touch with family and friends.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no medication that can treat gambling disorder, but there are several types of psychotherapy available. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one example, and it can help you change the unhealthy beliefs and emotions that cause your gambling behaviour. It also helps you learn new coping strategies, such as how to manage your money and how to handle stress in healthy ways. Other ways to get support are to join your local community, and find other social activities that don\u2019t involve gambling. It\u2019s also important to tackle any underlying mental health conditions that might be contributing to your gambling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Gambling is the betting of something of value, usually money, on an uncertain event determined at least in part by chance. It includes games of chance, but also those in which skill can improve a person\u2019s odds. Examples include horse racing, playing card games, and lotteries. It doesn\u2019t include business transactions based on contracts, such […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n