What Causes Gambling Problems?
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Whether you play card games, slot machines, bingo or place wagers on horse and dog races, lotteries, football accumulators or other sporting events, gambling is an activity that involves risking something of value in the hope of winning a prize. It can be a form of entertainment or a way to escape stressful life events, but it is also often used to satisfy other needs like a desire for status and belonging. Like any addiction, it can lead to financial ruin and strained relationships. It’s important to understand what causes gambling problems, so you can take steps to avoid them.
Gambling takes place in a variety of places, from casinos and racetracks to gas stations, church halls, and even on the internet. Some people gamble to change their mood, while others gamble as a way to socialize with friends or meet new people. Whatever the reason, the act of gambling changes the brain’s reward pathways. This can cause a person to experience feelings of euphoria and excitement, even when they are losing money. This is why some people are unable to recognize when it’s time to stop.
The good news is, it’s not impossible to recover from a gambling addiction. However, the process can be long and difficult. It’s important to surround yourself with supportive people, set accountability structures and limit spending. It is also helpful to seek help for any underlying mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety, which can trigger or be made worse by compulsive gambling behavior.
It can be challenging to realize that you have a problem, especially if you’ve lost a lot of money and strained or broken your relationships as a result of your gambling. It’s also hard to keep gambling out of your life when it’s so easy to access online casinos and sportsbooks, and many recovering gamblers are still exposed to tempting environments and websites through work or socializing. Despite these obstacles, it is possible to stay in recovery by surrounding yourself with positive people, keeping your finances out of reach and finding healthier ways to relieve stress.
It can be incredibly difficult to cope with a loved one’s gambling addiction. Often, they are so engulfed in their habit that it seems easier to rationalize their requests and allow them to spend more money. It is important to seek support from a family counselor who can help you work through the specific issues created by your loved one’s gambling addiction and lay the foundation for healthy relationship dynamics in the future. Alternatively, BetterHelp is an online service that matches you with therapists who are experts in gambling addiction and can help you rebuild your life. You can start the process by taking a free assessment and getting matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.