How Gambling Affects a Person’s Life
Generally, gambling involves risking something of value on the outcome of a game of chance. The prize may be cash, goods or services. It may be legal or illegal, depending on the jurisdiction. The activity is often social and can be a lot of fun, but it is not without its risks. Gambling also can result in problems in relationships, finances and work. The first step in getting help is realizing that there is a problem and seeking treatment. There are many resources available to those who suffer from gambling disorders and to their families, including support groups and counseling.
Taking a break from gambling is a good way to prevent relapse. It is important to allocate a specific amount of money that you can afford to lose, and stick to that limit. It is easy to get wrapped up in the thrill of gambling and lose track of time, especially when casinos do not have windows or clocks, so it is essential to set an alarm or a reminder that it is time to stop.
It can be difficult for a person to admit they have a gambling problem, particularly if it has caused them to lie to friends and family members, or if they have jeopardized their job, education or health. However, it is critical to seek help as soon as possible so that the problem does not deteriorate further.
Some people are predisposed to developing a gambling disorder, and research shows that between 0.4%-1.6% of the US population meets diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling (PG). Males develop PG at a faster rate than females and tend to begin gambling at a younger age. PG is often associated with depression, anxiety and other behavioral disorders. Those who have a PG diagnosis may report feelings of helplessness and guilt, as well as experience difficulty controlling their behavior, even when experiencing a loss.
One of the best ways to understand how gambling affects a person’s life is through longitudinal studies, which follow the same group of individuals over a long period of time. These studies can identify factors that moderate and exacerbate a person’s participation in gambling activities, and allow researchers to establish causality. However, longitudinal studies are expensive and labor intensive, and can be hampered by the difficulty of maintaining research team continuity over a long time period and by sample attrition.
There is no cure for gambling addiction, but counseling can help people understand their behavior and how it affects their lives. Counseling can also offer practical tools, such as relapse prevention strategies and techniques for managing money. Some of these strategies include setting budgets, avoiding casinos and staying away from television programs and online gambling websites. Family therapy and marital, career and credit counselling can help people to work through the issues that are causing them harm and lay a foundation for healing their relationships and finances. There are also self-help groups for gamblers, such as Gamblers Anonymous.