The Effects of Gambling Disorders
When a person gambles, they place something of value at risk for the chance to win something of greater value. While most people can do this recreationally without becoming addicted, a smaller subset goes on to develop gambling disorder. This condition is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as a recurrent pattern of gambling behavior that results in distress or impairment. The effects of problem gambling extend well beyond the gambler, impacting their family, friends and community as a whole.
Most people think of gambling as betting on a horse race or playing a slot machine at a casino. However, gambling takes many forms, from purchasing lottery tickets to putting together the best fantasy sports team. The truth is that most people lose more money than they win, which means that gambling can quickly spiral out of control and cause problems for individuals and their families.
There are several key factors that contribute to the development of gambling disorders, including: genetic predisposition to thrill-seeking behaviours, impulsivity and a poor understanding of random events. In addition, some people are prone to feeling bored or stressed and may turn to gambling as a way of escaping their reality. However, this short term relief is often at a cost that outweighs the entertainment value of gambling.
Gambling has a significant financial, labor and health/well-being impact on the individual, family and community. On the financial level, these include changes in income, loss of wealth, debt and bankruptcies. On the labor/workplace level, gambling impacts include changes in productivity, absenteeism and loss of employment opportunities. And on the personal and social/community/societal levels, gambling can have an effect on a person’s quality of life, relationships, stress, and health.
It’s important to recognize the signs that gambling has gone from a fun pastime to a problem, so you can take steps to stop. Talking to someone you trust, like a family member or counsellor, is a great place to start. It’s also important to set limits on how much time you spend gambling and on how much money you can afford to lose. You should also avoid using credit cards, taking out loans and carrying large amounts of cash around with you.
It’s also a good idea to find some alternative recreation and hobbies, so you’re not missing out on other activities because of your addiction to gambling. It’s also helpful to learn more about how your brain and body react to wins and losses, which can help you make better decisions about gambling. You can watch this video from Brain Connections for more information on how your brain works when it comes to gambling and how it’s possible to get addicted. It’s also a good idea to avoid gambling with friends or family members, as this can be difficult to recover from and it can be very hard to admit that you have a problem. Lastly, make sure to avoid alcohol and drug use while gambling.
