Gambling Disorders – How to Recognise and Overcome a Gambling Problem

Gambling is an activity that involves a bet or risk of something of value (like money) on an event of chance. It is an extremely common form of entertainment, and people engage in it for a variety of reasons, such as a desire to win money, socialising with friends, or escaping from worries and stress. However, for some individuals it can become a serious problem.

Gamblers often experience a sense of excitement and euphoria when gambling, and they may feel like they are in control of their decisions. This can lead to a false feeling of empowerment and confidence, which in turn can cause problems such as poor decision-making, increased financial stress, relationship conflict and even depression and suicidal thoughts.

Many people with a gambling disorder find that they have difficulty withdrawing from their addiction, or that it interferes with their work and home life. They may also become unable to function in public, and experience a sense of shame about their behaviour. For some, the urge to gamble can be triggered by boredom, depression, grief, or other emotional trauma. The media frequently portrays gambling as glamorous and fun, encouraging some people to use it to escape their problems.

People with a gambling disorder often have difficulty controlling their finances, and they may spend more than they can afford to lose. They may continue to gamble even when they are losing money, or they may try to recoup their losses by increasing their bets. In extreme cases, they may even borrow money or steal to fund their addiction.

The good news is that it is possible to overcome a gambling disorder. Support from family, friends and peers as well as treatment can help people regain control of their lives. Treatment options include psychotherapy, group therapy and family therapy, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps people to identify and challenge negative thinking patterns that can contribute to a gambling disorder, while psychodynamic therapy can help individuals understand how unconscious processes might be contributing to their behaviour.

It is important to recognise when a person has a gambling problem and seek help as soon as possible. In some extreme cases, untreated gambling disorder can lead to self-harm, substance misuse and, in very severe cases, even suicide. There are various sources of support available for people with a gambling problem, including GPs, NHS support and self-help websites.