What is Gambling and How Can it Affect You?
Gambling involves risking something of value (like money) based on a chance outcome that is out of your control or influence with the understanding that you might lose it or gain more. It’s a common recreational activity, but it can be dangerous for some people and lead to problems with mental health and relationships.
It’s important to recognise the signs of gambling problem. These can include lying to friends and family, hiding evidence of gambling, avoiding family or work activities, spending too much time gambling and not paying attention to relationships. It’s also important to check if you have an underlying mood disorder such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder as these can trigger and make worse gambling problems.
Gambling is a highly addictive behaviour. It can be very difficult to stop as it is often a form of escape from stress, boredom or worry and can provide a temporary high. It can also be a way to socialise with others and is portrayed as glamorous, exciting and fashionable in the media.
Some people may also use gambling as a way to feel better about themselves. It can be a distraction from feelings of worthlessness or shame and can give the person a sense of achievement. The person can also feel a sense of excitement and thrill when they win.
There are many different forms of gambling: lotteries, sports betting and casino games. There are laws that limit where and when gambling can take place, as well as the amount of money that can be wagered. People may also gamble for entertainment, or as a means to win a prize or reward.
Many people who develop gambling problems do so because of underlying mental health issues like depression, anxiety or substance abuse. These conditions can trigger or make gambling problems worse and should be addressed before attempting to break the addiction.
It is possible to overcome a gambling problem, but it’s important to recognise your own triggers and develop a plan to avoid them. For example, if you find yourself in a casino or TAB on your way to work, try taking another route or planning an activity that can distract you from the urge to gamble. It’s also helpful to reduce your access to money by getting rid of credit cards, only keeping cash and avoiding online gaming sites. It’s also a good idea to join a support group for problem gamblers and seek help from a therapist.
