Gambling is a risk-taking activity in which people place money, objects or other values on an outcome of chance. While most people who gamble do so responsibly, some develop gambling disorder – defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) as a recurrent pattern of problem gambling that causes distress or impairment. People with gambling disorders experience serious problems in several areas of their lives, including work, education and personal relationships.
There are both negative and positive social impacts of gambling. Negative social impacts include increased competition and costs for businesses due to the introduction of gambling facilities in a region, reduced availability of affordable entertainment options for local residents, decreased incomes for individuals who lose money or gamble, and increases in the cost of regulating and administering gambling operations. Positive social impacts of gambling include the provision of a recreational activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family, and the opportunity to win prizes and rewards.
The negative social impacts of gambling are most often experienced by those closest to a person with a gambling problem. People who are concerned about the health and well-being of a loved one can help them by setting boundaries around spending and credit management, as well as limiting their access to gambling opportunities. They may also need to encourage them to seek professional help if their gambling is damaging their health and relationships.
Individuals who struggle with a gambling addiction often try to rationalize their behavior by blaming external factors, such as financial difficulties or other addictive behaviors. They might even lie about their gambling habits to those they love or depend on for support. This can make it very difficult for family members and close friends to deal with a gambling problem.
While the majority of gambling-related problems are caused by an individual’s lack of self-control, a few personal traits and coexisting mental health conditions increase someone’s vulnerability to developing gambling disorder. Among these, youth and men are particularly susceptible to gambling disorders. They are more likely to start gambling at a younger age and are more likely to play games that involve chance, such as scratchcards and slot machines. They are also more likely to be exposed to advertising and marketing messages that promote gambling.
In addition, they are more likely to have a family history of alcohol and drug use, and they are more likely to be exposed to peers who engage in problem gambling. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for people who struggle with gambling disorder. These treatments include psychotherapy, which is a broad term that refers to a number of techniques that aim to change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. It is often combined with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to help patients address underlying issues. In addition to psychotherapy, there are a few medications that have been shown to reduce the symptoms of gambling disorder.