Gambling is any activity where you stake something valuable for the chance to win a prize. This can include betting on a football team to win a game, playing slots or scratchcards, putting together the best fantasy sports teams, or even buying lottery tickets. While many people gamble, only a small percentage of them actually win.
Problem gambling can be a serious and dangerous issue. Some individuals may have symptoms of pathological gambling, where they experience a persistent and recurrent desire to gamble, despite the negative consequences. Other individuals have a more mild form of the condition, where they are able to control their gambling and do not show signs of a pathological gambling disorder.
The reasons behind gambling problems are complex and varied. It is important to understand what triggers problematic gambling so that we can prevent it from occurring. This article explores some of the key psychological and biological factors that contribute to it.
Gambling is often associated with a high level of sensation-seeking. People who are particularly prone to sensation-seeking are more likely to engage in risky activities such as gambling, and may find it difficult to stop. Sensation-seeking is related to impulsivity, which can also play a role in gambling behaviour.
Individuals with a tendency towards gambling can become addicted to the reward of winning. This reward is often linked to the brain chemical dopamine, which makes us feel excited and happy. During gambling, the brain releases dopamine when you are successful, which is why it can be so hard to walk away from a game. However, the good news is that you can retrain your brain to respond to different rewards and learn to stop gambling for the money.
Another reason why gambling is addictive is that it provides a false sense of achievement. The elation and excitement of winning can often mask feelings of low self-esteem, depression or other mental health issues. It can also lead to a vicious circle, where you start gambling more and more in order to get back the money you’ve lost.
To help you break the cycle, try to strengthen your support network and seek out other forms of enjoyment. Consider taking up a hobby that takes up your time and energy, or joining a peer support group such as Gamers Anonymous (a 12-step recovery program based on Alcoholics Anonymous). You can also remove digital temptations by deleting gambling apps and blocking gambling websites from your computer or smartphone. You can also change your auto-fill settings so that you have to manually enter your credit card details each time you want to make a deposit, making it harder for yourself to gamble on impulse. It is also a good idea to write down your motivations for breaking free from gambling, and revisit them whenever you are tempted. You can also enlist the support of family and friends, as well as professionals who are trained in treating gambling addiction.