The Dangers of Gambling
Gambling involves risking something of value (money, goods or services) on a random event with the hope of winning something else of value. Unlike betting on horse races or lotteries, where skill is involved, gambling usually involves chance alone and the prize is determined by luck rather than strategy. There are many forms of gambling, from lottery tickets to casino games to sports bets to organized poker and blackjack tournaments.
People who have problems with gambling are often viewed as having a psychological disorder, similar to an addiction to drugs or alcohol. This change in understanding has been reflected in, or stimulated by, the changing classification and description of pathological gambling in various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM).
In some cases, the problem is that the individual cannot stop gambling or does not know how to control their gambling behavior. In these cases, it is important to get help. A therapist can help the person learn how to manage their gambling and learn better ways of dealing with stress. A therapist can also help them strengthen their support network and find other activities to do that do not involve gambling.
Gambling can be dangerous when it gets out of hand and leads to serious financial or emotional problems. For example, a person may lose a job or fail to meet financial obligations, such as rent or car payments, due to gambling. The person may also have health or legal problems related to gambling. In some extreme cases, a gambler may even attempt suicide in an effort to solve his or her gambling problem.
Problem gambling can have a profound effect on relationships and family members as well. The person may lie about how much he or she gambles to others, and may even steal money from family members or coworkers to finance gambling activities. Some people with severe gambling problems also neglect their work, and may miss important deadlines or meetings. They may rely on colleagues to loan them money or provide them with work opportunities. In addition, people with serious gambling problems often have trouble with family conflicts and strained marriages as they try to cope with the stress of their problem gambling.
The most obvious warning sign of a problem is when someone is secretive about their gambling or lies about how much they are spending on it. Another warning sign is when a person tries to cover up his or her gambling by borrowing money or using credit cards to fund it. Other signs include being unable to walk away from a game or being compelled to play again and again, even when losing money, in an attempt to win back the losses. Finally, a person with a problem with gambling may have difficulty staying in work, and may be stealing money from the workplace or engaging in unethical practices such as embezzlement. Getting help is the only way to overcome these issues.