Pathological Gambling

Gambling involves betting something of value on an event that is determined at least in part by chance. It includes all kinds of bets, from betting on a team to win a football match, or on a scratch-off ticket. It also includes putting money on a horse race or lottery.

Most people have gambled at some point in their lives, and most do so without problems. However, a small percentage of people develop an addiction to gambling. This is called pathological gambling, and it is considered a mental health disorder by the American Psychiatric Association.

Pathological gambling affects both men and women, although it is more common among younger people, especially boys and young men. Vulnerability to developing a gambling problem increases with family income, because people with lower incomes are more likely to place larger bets. People with low self-esteem or other emotional problems are also at increased risk of becoming a gambling addict.

People with a gambling disorder often have trouble telling when they’ve lost enough money to stop. They may lie to their family, friends, or therapist about how much they’ve lost. They may try to get back their losses by increasing their bets. This is known as “chasing their losses.” People with a gambling disorder are also more likely to use drugs and alcohol to conceal their problem.

Some people are genetically predisposed to gambling addiction, because they have an underactive reward system or are more impulsive than others. Other factors that contribute to a person’s gambling addiction include the environment and their cultural values. For example, some cultures put an inordinate emphasis on money and may be less tolerant of gamblers’ losses.

Research is underway to understand the biological basis of gambling disorders, and to find ways to treat them. Scientists are interested in whether specific brain regions may be involved in regulating impulse control and weighing risks.

In the meantime, it’s important for people who have a gambling problem to seek treatment. Many communities have social support groups for problem gamblers, and many therapists are trained to help them with this issue. Some therapists also offer family therapy, marriage counseling, and career or credit counseling. All of these services can help people work through the issues that led to their gambling addiction and learn healthier coping strategies. They can also find other ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques. Then they’ll be in a better position to control their urges and avoid gambling-related problems.