Gambling involves placing something of value (usually money) at risk in the hope of winning a larger prize. This can be done by betting on sporting events, horse races, dice games, slots or card games. The chance of winning is largely dependent on luck and the odds are always against you.
Humans are biologically driven to seek rewards. When we enjoy activities like spending time with friends, eating a meal or shopping, our brain releases chemicals that make us feel good. This is why it can be so difficult for people to break the cycle of gambling and stop. The reward system in our brain is affected by the drugs used in gambling and genetic predispositions can also lead to addiction.
It is important to only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and to set time and money limits before gambling. You should never bet with money that you need to pay bills or rent. It is also a good idea to only gamble on weekends or during free time.
It is also important to recognise the signs of a problem and avoid behaviours that can trigger a relapse. These include downplaying or lying about your gambling, hiding evidence of it and relying on others to fund it or replace the money you’ve lost. If you think you have a gambling problem, there are a range of treatments that can help. These include psychodynamic therapy which explores how unconscious processes influence your behaviour, group therapy and family therapy. In some cases, residential or inpatient treatment is recommended for those with severe gambling addictions.
