In the modern world, gambling has become an activity that affects nearly every part of society. It can be a fun diversion, but for some it can become an addiction with serious consequences. Gambling can harm health, relationships and performance at work or study and cause debt and homelessness. It can also impact on family, friends and work colleagues.
Gambling is when people wager something of value on a random event with the intent to win a prize. It can involve money, or items of value such as marbles, collectable cards, a deck of playing cards or even your children’s toys. Gambling can also be conducted with a computer or mobile phone, or even over the internet. Some forms of gambling require skill, while others do not, but all forms of gambling are governed by the law and have potential risks.
Like all addictive activities, gambling is a problem when it starts to interfere with your life and causes you distress. Identifying when this happens is the first step to taking action.
The brain responds to gambling the same way it does to other addictive substances, such as drugs. It releases the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine, which can cause excitement and a sense of reward, but this happens whether you win or lose. This can make it difficult to stop and may lead you to spend more time gambling than you intended, which in turn leads to bigger losses.
Some people find it hard to recognise when their gambling is out of control, especially if they live in communities where it is common and accepted. It can also be difficult to see the impact on family, friends and work colleagues. This can make it harder to seek help and advice.
Getting support is the next step to breaking free from problematic gambling. This can be done by talking to someone you trust or calling a non-judgemental helpline such as GamCare. Some people also find it helpful to attend a gambling support group.
It is important to try and balance your gambling with other activities, so that it does not overtake your life. If you find yourself gambling to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as boredom or loneliness, consider other ways of doing this, such as spending time with friends who do not gamble, exercising or practicing relaxation techniques. You should also avoid chasing your losses, as this will only result in bigger losses.