The Dangers of Gambling
Gambling involves risking something of value — including money — for the chance to win more than what was invested. It has been a part of human culture since prerecorded times, influencing people in every region and society. Today, it’s more accessible than ever, with casinos and lotteries in many towns and cities, and online games and sports betting sites that allow anyone to place a bet at any time of the day or night. It can be social, exciting and addictive. But it can also be harmful to health, causing financial stress, relationship breakdown, family violence, mental illness and even suicide. The legacy of gambling harm can extend throughout a person’s life and can be passed on to future generations.
Most adults and adolescents have placed a bet, but only some develop problems with gambling. The most serious problem is compulsive gambling, which is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a recurrent pattern of behavior associated with distress or impairment. It affects a small subset of people who start gambling, and it can persist indefinitely and have a negative impact on all aspects of a person’s life.
While there is no universal definition of compulsive gambling, it can be identified by a combination of factors, such as a high level of loss control, increased involvement in gambling, escalating losses and a lack of ability to stop gambling or limit the amount spent. Symptoms can include lying about the amount lost or winning, spending more than you can afford to lose and withdrawing from friends and loved ones. Some people also display signs of mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, which can trigger gambling problems and make them worse.
Compulsive gambling can have measurable changes in brain chemistry, which is why it’s considered an addiction. The rush of dopamine that is released when you win can make it very hard to quit gambling. The good news is that rebalancing your brain chemistry through recovery and support can help to reverse these changes.
When people gamble, they are usually trying to do two things: socialise and escape from their worries and stresses. However, if these feelings are not managed effectively, gambling can become an addiction and cause significant problems for the individual and their family. Signs of an addiction can include lying to friends and family, missing out on social occasions, calling in sick to gamble or chasing your losses (trying to win back the money you have lost).
If you are concerned about your gambling habits, talk to your GP or contact StepChange for free debt advice. This article mentions the risk of suicide and may be upsetting to some readers. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call 999 or visit A&E immediately. This content is written by a third party and not the NHS. If you need confidential support, call the Samaritans on 08457 909090 or visit www.samaritans.org for details.
