Gambling Addiction – Why Do People Gamble?
Gambling Addiction – Why Do People Gamble?
The answer to this question lies in our brains’ wiring, but is also complex and multifaceted. As a person who works in gambling addiction treatment, I have learned that problem gamblers have a variety of reasons why they continue to risk money and their relationships. The most common is a desire to experience the rush of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter that causes people to be excited when they win. This neurological response occurs even when people lose, which may be why many who struggle with gambling addiction have difficulty recognizing when it’s time to stop.
Gambling involves wagering something of value on a random event, where instances of strategy are discounted. It can be done with money or any other material of value, including marbles, tokens, collectible trading cards such as Magic: The Gathering or Pogs, and even your home video game console. Often, gambling is a social activity, where participants wager money or chips in a casino, or place bets with friends and family at home. In some cases, it is illegal to gamble in public, but most people who engage in gambling do so privately and for fun.
Although it can be a lot of fun, gambling can also be very addictive and cause significant damage to one’s personal and professional lives. In fact, some people are so addicted to gambling that they cannot control their spending or do anything else with their life except gamble. Gambling can also cause serious health problems, including heart disease and depression.
When gambling becomes a problem, there are several steps that can be taken to help a person break the cycle of addiction and recover from their losses. One way to do this is to seek individual or group therapy, which can provide guidance and structure. Other options include family therapy and marriage counseling, career or job-search coaching, and credit or financial management assistance. In some cases, inpatient or residential programs are available for those who have severe gambling addictions and require round-the-clock care.
If you know someone who struggles with a gambling addiction, try to understand their motivations for their behavior. They might be doing it for coping reasons – to forget their worries, or to relieve boredom or loneliness. They could also be doing it for excitement, or to find a way to meet their basic needs of belonging, status, and thrill. Unless these issues are addressed, it will be difficult for them to break the cycle of gambling addiction. To make a difference, you can encourage them to seek help and support, and set firm boundaries in managing their money. You can also suggest they seek out a peer support program like Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous and provides invaluable guidance and encouragement for those with addiction to gambling. You can also strengthen their support network by reaching out to friends who do not gamble, enrolling in a class or hobby, or volunteering. It’s also important to learn healthy ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as exercising, spending time with non-gambling friends, and practicing relaxation techniques.