Gambling is any activity in which you risk something of value – often money – on the chance of winning. It can include card games, casino games like roulette or blackjack, sports betting, lottery tickets, scratchcards and two-up. It can also be more serious, such as speculating on business investments or insurance policies.
The reason gambling is so addictive is that it triggers a chemical reaction in the brain that makes us feel good. It’s a similar feeling to when we enjoy a delicious meal or spend time with friends. But it’s a temporary high that’s easily lost and can have a negative impact on our lives.
While there are no medications specifically aimed at treating gambling disorder, there are effective treatment methods. Psychotherapy – including family therapy, marriage, career and credit counseling – can help you work through the specific issues that have been created by problem gambling and lay the foundation for repairing your relationships and finances.
Many people gamble for coping reasons – to relieve stress, take their mind off problems or socialize with friends. These are all unhealthy ways to deal with unpleasant emotions and there are healthier and more effective ways of doing so. It’s also worth learning to manage boredom and finding other ways of spending your spare time. And finally, make sure you only gamble with money that’s not needed for paying bills or rent. This way, you’ll have less to lose and are more likely to walk away a winner.
