Gambling is any activity in which a person stakes something of value, often money, on an event with an uncertain outcome and with the intention of winning something else of value. The event can be as simple as rolling a die or the spin of a slot machine reel, but it can also involve more complex activities such as playing fantasy sports, betting on horse races, online poker and scratch tickets. While gambling may seem harmless at first glance, it can be a dangerous addictive behavior that leads to serious problems, including financial ruin and social isolation.
While the vast majority of people participate in gambling as an enjoyable social activity, a small group of individuals develop problematic gambling habits that negatively affect their lives. These people are classified as having gambling disorder and require treatment for it.
When you win at a game of chance, your brain produces a dopamine surge that rewards the action and makes you feel good. But when you lose, your brain releases a stress hormone called cortisol, which causes you to feel anxious and down.
Over time, this imbalance of chemicals changes the way your brain responds to pleasure, making you want more and more pleasure until it becomes out of control. Eventually, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Problem gambling can also damage your family relationships and work life, and it can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke and addiction to alcohol or other drugs.
A person can get help for gambling disorder through support groups and other forms of psychotherapy. During therapy, you’ll learn to recognize unhealthy behaviors and emotions and replace them with healthy ones. You’ll also learn to handle stress in a healthier manner and address any coexisting mental health conditions that are contributing to your gambling.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t approve medications to treat gambling disorder, but there are several psychotherapy techniques that can help. One option is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to recognize and change unhealthy beliefs and behaviors. Another option is psychodynamic therapy, which examines how unconscious processes influence your behavior. Finally, there’s group therapy, which provides a safe environment for sharing your struggles with other people.
You can also find help for gambling disorder by talking to your doctor or therapist. Your doctor will ask about your gambling behaviors, how they’ve impacted your life and whether you’ve tried to stop gambling but couldn’t. Your doctor can also refer you to a specialized treatment program if needed. In addition to therapy, you can take steps to reduce your urges by distracting yourself or staying away from gambling-related websites. You can also reach out to friends and family for support. Framing the discussion as a health issue will reduce resistance, especially since many people with gambling disorders experience feelings of shame and guilt about their behavior. You can also try meditating or exercising to calm yourself.