Gambling is an activity in which a person places something of value, such as money or something else that has value (such as collectible trading cards or game pieces), on the outcome of a contest or uncertain event whose result may be determined by chance or accident. A significant proportion of people engage in gambling, and a small number develop serious problem gambling that is associated with negative personal, social, and financial consequences.
Understanding why and how gambling becomes addictive can help you intervene if someone close to you starts to gamble in an unhealthy way. Here are some of the main reasons people gamble:
For social or monetary rewards
People may gamble for social or monetary rewards, such as the enjoyment of participating in a gambling event with friends, or the thrill of attempting to win a large amount of money. However, many individuals become addicted to gambling and continue to gamble despite the negative social, family, and financial effects that it can have.
Vulnerability to gambling problems is high in some groups, such as people with low incomes who have more to gain with a large win, and young adults, particularly men. Up to 5% of adolescents and young adults who gamble develop a gambling disorder.
Research suggests that certain genetic traits, personality characteristics, and life events increase the risk of developing a gambling problem. Several types of treatment and intervention programs are available for individuals who have an addiction to gambling. These include individual and group therapy, education, and self-help programs such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a 12-step model similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.
Another option for treating an addiction to gambling is inpatient or residential treatment and rehabilitation programs. These programs are aimed at people with severe gambling addictions who are unable to control their cravings without round-the-clock support.
There are many ways to help someone overcome a gambling addiction, including peer support groups like Gamblers Anonymous and family therapy, as well as marriage, career, and credit counseling. In addition, it is important to strengthen a person’s support network and to find other activities that are fun and rewarding. Some examples of these activities include taking up a hobby, joining a sports team or book club, enrolling in a class, or volunteering for a charitable cause. Some research also shows that physical activity can reduce a person’s craving for gambling. In some cases, this may be enough to help a person overcome a gambling addiction. However, in other cases, more intensive treatment is needed. A treatment center that specializes in gambling addiction can provide more tailored and effective intervention services.