Family Members of Gamblers With Gambling Disorders
Whether betting on a football match, buying a scratchcard or placing a wager online, gambling involves risking something of value (money) on an event where the outcome is determined by chance and largely independent from the player’s skill. The total amount of money wagered legally is estimated to be about $10 trillion per year. While the vast majority of gambling is done in casinos concentrated in cities like Las Vegas and Atlantic City, there are also state-licensed lotteries, sports betting and a growing number of video games with gambling elements for adults and children, many of which require micro-transactions or payments.
Gambling is considered to be a vice because it can lead to addiction. In extreme cases, the addiction can even affect a person’s mental health and social life. In fact, gambling is known to carry the highest suicide risk out of any other addiction. It’s important for family members of people with a gambling disorder to understand that they are not alone and reach out to their community.
While gambling is often seen as a fun pastime, science has proven that there are some health benefits to it, especially for those who gamble for entertainment purposes. It has been found that when you play a casino game, your brain releases dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter, which increases the pleasure of winning and lowers the discomfort associated with losing. This is why some people find it hard to quit gambling once they have started.
It is also possible to gamble without becoming addicted if you do it responsibly. Only bet what you can afford to lose and stick to your budget. Don’t use ATM machines and don’t take out a credit card to fund your gaming. Always remember that what goes up must come down, and your losses will always be greater than your wins. In addition, never lie about your winnings or your losses.
There are a number of ways to help someone with a gambling problem, including therapy, self-help books and peer support groups. In addition, family members can encourage a loved one to seek treatment by setting boundaries and taking control of their finances, reviewing bank statements and limiting access to electronic devices. They can also seek out local referral resources such as certified gambling counselors and intensive treatment programs in the area.
Some people are more at risk of developing a gambling disorder than others. People who have low incomes are more likely to develop a gambling disorder, as are young people and men. People who play video games with gambling components are also more prone to developing an addiction, especially when they start playing them at an early age. Those who have depression or other mental health issues are also more likely to develop an unhealthy gambling habit.
