Understanding Gambling Disorders

Gambling is the risking of something of value (money, property, or personal relationships) on an event that has a random outcome, such as a game of chance. It also includes a wager on sporting events, horse races, or other competitions. Gambling is illegal in some jurisdictions, but it is a major international commercial activity. The total amount of money legally wagered is estimated to be around $10 trillion per year.

Gamblers typically stake materials that have a monetary value, such as money, chips, marbles, or collectible game pieces, on a random event, with the expectation of winning a prize. The term ‘gambling’ also applies to activities that involve a skill element, such as the use of dice, poker, and blackjack.

Many people gamble for fun, socializing with friends, or to relieve stress. But compulsive gambling can be a serious problem and affect all aspects of a person’s life. It can also lead to other addictions, including substance abuse and even mental illness. The compulsion to gamble can be triggered by the brain’s reward system, mimicking the effect of drugs like cocaine or heroin. It can be hard to break the cycle of addiction.

The understanding of pathological gambling has undergone profound change over the years. Traditionally, individuals who experienced adverse consequences from gambling were viewed as having behavioral problems, a view that was consistent with the various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association.

In recent times, the emphasis has shifted to a more psychological approach. This has been stimulated, in part, by the development of the DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling, which was published in 1994. The criteria include damage or disruption to the person’s life, loss of control over gambling behavior, and dependence on the activity.

Several types of therapy are available to help people with gambling disorders, including cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy. Family therapy can also be helpful, as can marriage, career, and credit counseling.

It’s important to seek treatment for a gambling disorder, as the condition can have severe and lasting effects on a person’s health and wellbeing. Some people are able to stop gambling on their own, but most will need some form of therapy. There are inspiring stories out there of people who have overcome their addiction, including Chris Murphy, who used to gamble online while his girlfriend slept beside him, but now runs the Sporting Chance clinic, helping athletes deal with gambling issues.