Gambling is a popular pastime, and most people will place a bet or gamble at some point in their lives. However, some people develop a gambling disorder which can have serious health and social consequences.
There are many reasons why someone might gamble, from financial or entertainment reasons to coping with stress or boredom. Some people might also have a family history of gambling problems. It’s important to recognise the difference between recreational and problem gambling, and learn healthier ways of dealing with unpleasant emotions.
When you gamble, the brain releases dopamine which makes you feel pleasure. This can be a good thing, but it can also cause you to want to gamble more in order to experience that same feeling again and again. This cycle can become dangerously out of control, and lead to addiction. There are healthier and more effective ways of relieving unpleasant feelings, such as exercise, spending time with loved ones, or taking up new hobbies.
Gambling can take up a lot of time, and this can affect other activities in your life. It can mean that you miss out on important events such as work or school, and your relationships with friends and family may suffer. You might start lying or breaking promises, and this can be very hard for those around you to cope with. You might even consider self-harm or suicidal thoughts if your gambling is out of control. In extreme cases, it is a very serious matter, and you should seek professional help immediately.
People often gamble for social or entertainment reasons – it might be what they do with their friends, or a way to relax after a stressful day at work. Others might be driven by the chance of winning money, or the excitement of thinking about what they would do with a big jackpot win. Ultimately, though, most people who gamble do it for the buzz or rush they get when they win.
Sadly, when your gambling is out of control, you might find that bills aren’t paid and credit cards are maxed out – this can leave you in a desperate financial situation. You might even start borrowing money or stealing from friends or family in an attempt to fund your gambling habit. This can have disastrous consequences, and is often very difficult to reverse.
It is important to understand the reasons why your loved one may be gambling, so you can better support them in their recovery. It is also important to remember that they didn’t choose to become addicted, and it isn’t their fault if they have developed a problem. Often, they are trying to escape unpleasant emotions in a unhealthy way, and it is up to you to help them to cope in a healthy way. There is help available for those with gambling problems – speak to your GP or NHS for more information. There is also a range of gambling support groups.