Gambling is now more accepted and available than ever. Four out of five Americans have gambled at least once in their lifetimes. All fifty states offer some form of legalized gambling, and it’s easy to play games of chance from the comfort of your own home. According to statistics, two million Americans are addicted to gambling. Another 20 million people are affected by gambling addiction. Understanding why you gamble can help you to stop it. Listed below are some of the most common forms of gambling addiction.
Pathological gambling is a common addiction that has been identified as a brain disorder. Unlike most addictions, pathological gambling is based on intense pleasure and anxiety, and not on the urge to control one’s body. The American Psychiatric Association classified pathological gambling in 1980 as an impulse control disorder alongside kleptomania, pyromania, and trichotillomania. Later, in the DSM-5, the American Psychiatric Association classified it as an addiction.
Gambling is all about taking a chance. While you may be lucky and win, the odds are against you. Therefore, it’s better to budget for gambling as an expense rather than a way to earn money. Chance-based gambling consists of betting on games of chance, such as bingo, lottery tickets, and gaming machines. While the odds are in your favor, it’s not realistic to think of gambling as a way to become rich overnight. Most tourists, though, are just looking for a fun way to pass the time.
While compulsive gambling tends to be more prevalent in men, women may be more susceptible to becoming addicted. The effects of problem gambling can be severe for both physical and psychological health. Gambling can also lead to migraines, anxiety, and even depression. It can even lead to attempted suicide. It can also lead to a number of other problems, including relationships with others. There is no definite cure for gambling addiction. You can seek professional help and counseling.
Gambling is defined as “the act of placing a bet on an uncertain event.” The purpose of gambling is to win money or something of value by predicting the outcome. It can take the form of playing lottery tickets, visiting a casino, betting on a sporting event, or even wagering on an office pool. However, it is important to note that gambling is always accompanied by risk and can be addictive. The more risky your choice, the more likely you are to lose.
Once you’ve determined that gambling is a problem, it’s time to seek professional help. Often, it’s helpful to seek out support from a trusted friend or family member, or to go to a support group. Many states have helplines specifically dedicated to gambling addiction. If you’re not sure where to start, the National Helpline is 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It is important to seek professional help for gambling addiction, and to consider the consequences of your behavior.