Gambling involves placing something of value on a random event with the intention of winning something else of value. It can be fun and exciting but it can also become a harmful addiction. There are several factors that can cause a person to engage in excessive gambling, including genetic and psychological predispositions and changes to the brain’s chemical messengers. A pathological gambler may also have a lack of control and difficulty making decisions.
A person who gambles compulsively is more likely to spend their money recklessly, lie and steal in order to fund their habit. Their relationships may suffer, as well as their financial health. They may also be absent from work and other activities to gamble. They will often be reluctant to seek help and may conceal their behavior, but there are a number of treatments that can be used to help them break their habit and improve their lives.
Psychotherapy is a common treatment for pathological gambling. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps a person to understand their thoughts and emotions and develop healthier thinking patterns and behaviors. Motivational interviewing is another psychological intervention that can be used to encourage healthy change. Medications can be used to treat co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety, but they are not approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of gambling disorder.
Behavioral treatments can include family therapy, marital and career counseling, and credit management skills instruction. There are also a number of support groups for people with gambling problems, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous. These groups can provide valuable guidance and encouragement, but they cannot take the place of professional treatment.
Many people begin to gamble for coping reasons, such as to forget their problems or to socialise with friends. Some people also find that gambling relaxes them. However, the problem can become serious if they start to lose more than they win. This is because the reward system in their brain becomes less active, which makes it harder for them to control their impulses and weigh risk.
Some people have a genetic predisposition to thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity. This can make it hard for them to control their urges, even when they know that gambling is not a good idea. They may also have an underactive prefrontal cortex, which affects how they process rewards and evaluate risk.
It is important for people to learn how to relieve unpleasant feelings in healthier ways, such as exercising, spending time with friends who do not gamble, or taking up new hobbies. They should also make sure to have an emergency fund in case of unexpected expenses. Finally, they should consider seeking financial assistance or residential treatment for their gambling disorder. Inpatient and residential programs are available for those who are unable to quit gambling without round-the-clock support. There are also online treatment options that can be accessed from the comfort of their home. These can include self-help tools, counselling and webinars.
