Gambling involves betting something of value on an event with the hope of winning another item of value. It is not the same as playing a game of chance, where skill or knowledge can improve the odds.
Many people gamble, without it becoming a problem. However, for a small group of individuals gambling is a serious addiction that has negative personal, family and financial effects. These individuals are considered pathological gamblers. Pathological gambling is a mental health disorder that requires professional treatment.
Several types of therapy can help treat gambling disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and family and individual counseling can all be used to address gambling disorders. Psychotherapy can help patients understand the roots of their gambling behavior and learn healthier ways to cope with stress, anger and sadness. It can also teach patients how to recognize and prevent triggers that lead them to gamble.
When someone is addicted to gambling, they often use it as a way to self-soothe unpleasant feelings or to relieve boredom. In addition, they may feel a strong need to keep going back, even though they are losing money. Treatment is aimed at restoring healthy brain pathways that were lost due to gambling, so that the person can return to a normal state of functioning.
It is important for loved ones to understand why a person starts gambling and why they continue. There are many reasons that people begin to gamble, including for entertainment, profit or to escape from worries. Some people also use gambling as a way to socialize. People with poorer economic status are more likely to develop a gambling disorder. Young people, especially boys and men, are also more prone to developing a gambling disorder than older people.
In order to understand the causes of gambling disorders, researchers have studied the role of genes and environment in the development of these problems. Research has shown that certain genes are associated with a higher risk of developing an addiction to gambling. Studies also indicate that gambling is related to changes in the reward system of the brain. It is thought that these changes are triggered by the release of dopamine when a person wins, which is similar to the response that occurs in the brain when practicing a skill such as shooting baskets.
There are no medications that have been specifically approved for the treatment of gambling disorders. However, some drugs may be helpful in treating co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety. Other treatments that can help include psychotherapy and support groups. Support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, can provide an opportunity for participants to discuss their issues with other people who are trying to recover from gambling addictions. It is also helpful to find new ways to manage unpleasant feelings and alleviate boredom, such as exercising, spending time with friends who do not gamble, taking up a hobby, or practicing relaxation techniques.