Gambling is a recreational activity in which someone risks something of value (such as money or possessions) on an event with an element of chance and the potential to win a prize. It is considered an addictive behaviour and, in some cases, it can have severe negative consequences for a person’s life and health.
Most people gamble occasionally and most are not harmed by their involvement. However, a small group of individuals become too involved in gambling, often with devastating personal, social and family effects. This is known as problem gambling. A diagnosis of pathological gambling is now included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is important that we understand what makes some people vulnerable to developing this type of addiction and how it develops.
Research shows that when gambling is accompanied by an urge to continue to gamble, the reward pathway in the brain becomes overstimulated and produces the same dopamine response as drugs, which can lead to a loss of control. This change in the brain chemistry can also cause some individuals to gamble more and more, in order to feel the same pleasure.
It is thought that many factors make an individual vulnerable to gambling problems, such as a lack of healthy social relationships, financial difficulties, poor judgment and cognitive distortions. It is also possible that some people are genetically predisposed to gambling addiction. There are a number of different reasons why people gamble, including: for entertainment purposes; to win money; for coping reasons (to forget their troubles and to try to avoid thinking about other worries); or to satisfy needs such as status and belonging.
For example, some individuals may be attracted to gambling because they are socially isolated and seek a sense of belonging and community in a casino atmosphere. This is reinforced by the fact that gambling can be seen as a glamorous and fashionable pastime, with casinos often portraying themselves as luxurious and exclusive places. People may also gamble for coping reasons, or to escape from their problems; this can be especially common for those with depression, who may find it harder to think about and cope with their difficulties when they are not focused on the game.
Whether or not you have a mental illness, there are still ways to help manage your gambling habits. Talking to a trusted friend, family member or professional counsellor can be beneficial and can help to identify the triggers that prompt you to gamble. It is also important to reduce financial risk by limiting your use of credit cards and only carrying around small amounts of cash. It is also helpful to try and find other recreational activities or hobbies to take up, so that you are not relying on gambling as a way to socialise.
While the DSM-5 definition of pathological gambling has increased the focus on impulsivity, there is still ongoing debate about other aspects of the diagnosis, such as its construct validity, classification as an addiction or dependent state and the concept of less severe problem gambling. This debate will not be resolved until better tools are available to determine whether a person has a gambling disorder and to provide the necessary information for treatment planning.