The Dangers of Gambling Disorder
You’re standing in a twinkly, noisy casino and itching to roll the dice or pull a lever on a slot machine. You have big dreams of winning the jackpot and retiring on your own private island. But what are the chances of that happening? The truth is, it’s not as easy as the movies make it look. Gambling is a dangerous addiction that can cause major problems in your life. It’s important to understand the risk factors and know the warning signs of gambling disorder.
You can gamble for fun, but it’s important to be aware of the risks. A gambling problem can have serious consequences for your family, friends, and career. People who are at risk of developing a gambling disorder can benefit from treatment, such as psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. There are several types of psychotherapy, which include individual, group and family therapy. These treatments can help you change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. They also can teach you healthy ways to deal with stress and find other activities to enjoy.
While the majority of people who gamble do it for the chance of winning money, research shows that there are many other motivations. People may gamble to relieve boredom, socialize with friends, change their mood, or escape from stressful situations. For some, the thrill of gambling triggers feelings of euphoria that are similar to those experienced when taking drugs, and they may even become addicted.
The brain responds to the prospect of receiving a reward by increasing blood flow and secreting dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good. This response is what motivates people to keep gambling, even when they are losing. In fact, the more they lose, the more they want to win. This is why casinos encourage customers to play more often by offering them free chips and drinks, while at the same time promoting high-stakes games that require substantial investments.
Some researchers have explored the causes of pathological gambling (PG). They have found that certain traits are associated with a higher likelihood of acquiring a gambling disorder, such as a tendency to use gambling as an escape from boredom or anxiety, a poor understanding of random events, and impulsivity. They have also identified several factors that are associated with the onset and maintenance of PG, including an early big win, the size of the win, boredom susceptibility, use of escape coping, and depression.
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one has a gambling disorder, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. There are no medications that treat a gambling disorder, but there are several different types of psychotherapy that can help. These treatments can include psychodynamic therapy, which helps you learn more about your unconscious processes and how they affect your behavior; cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to recognize and challenge unhealthy thinking patterns; and group and family therapy, which can help you develop healthier support systems. You can also try to change your lifestyle by spending less time gambling and by avoiding escapism through gambling.