How to Break a Gambling Problem

Gambling is the act of risking something of value, usually money, on an event involving chance. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as playing a game of chance, betting with friends, or even placing a wager on sports events. It can be an enjoyable pastime, but it also has the potential to become problematic for some individuals.

While most people participate in gambling without problems, a subset of individuals become addicted to the activity and have a negative impact on their personal, family, and professional lives. In some cases, this can lead to the development of a gambling disorder, defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) as a persistent, recurrent pattern of gambling behavior that is associated with substantial distress or impairment.

A key reason why some people may develop a gambling problem is that the brain’s reward system becomes hijacked. This can be caused by genetic predisposition or by external triggers such as the stress of losing money or a relationship conflict. In addition, some people are more likely to gamble due to social or cultural factors that reinforce the behavior. These factors include a common perception that gambling is fun, and the fact that many communities consider it an acceptable pastime.

People who are prone to developing a gambling problem often have poor coping skills. They may turn to gambling to deal with unpleasant emotions, such as boredom, loneliness, or anxiety. In addition, they tend to experience high levels of dopamine when winning and feel a desire to repeat the experience. This can cause them to spend more and more money on gambling, despite the negative consequences.

The most significant step in breaking a gambling habit is recognizing that you have a problem. This can be a difficult realization, especially for those who have lost large amounts of money or suffered strained or broken relationships due to their addiction. However, many people have overcome this challenge and have rebuilt their lives. Taking steps to strengthen your support network and finding other sources of pleasure can help you overcome your addiction. You can also join a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.

If you’re struggling with an addiction to gambling, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, accredited therapist in as little as 48 hours. Take our online assessment to get started.