Gambling is an activity in which you risk something of value (usually money) on the outcome of a game of chance. You can gamble by playing games like fruit machines and scratchcards, placing bets with friends or online, or even betting on sporting events. If you win, you keep the winnings – but if you lose, you lose the money you gambled.
Gambling can be a fun and harmless pastime for many people, but for others it can be a serious problem. Problem gambling can damage health, relationships and work or study performance, lead to debt and even homelessness. It can also cause stress and depression. Many people who have trouble with gambling try to use it as an escape from the feelings they are having, but it can actually make these worse. It can also be very addictive, with the ‘high’ of anticipating the big win being almost as good as the actual feeling of winning itself. The devastation of losing can be very hard to cope with, and in extreme cases, the effects of gambling can be so severe that people become suicidal.
A number of different tests have been developed to determine whether a person has a gambling disorder. These tests are often based on DSM criteria and have been used by researchers, psychiatrists and other treatment care professionals to assess and diagnose people with pathological gambling. However, it is important to remember that not all tests are created equal. Various factors can impact the reliability and validity of these instruments, including sample size, interviewing technique, instrument development and funding.
In order to improve the quality of these tools, a rigorous scientific research program is needed. This will require the creation of standardized test instruments with demonstrated psychometric properties, and the development of theories to guide the evaluation of these instruments. Until this is done, it will be difficult to develop an accurate understanding of the prevalence of pathological gambling.
There are some things you can do to help with a gambling addiction, including reducing access to money by cutting up credit cards or only keeping one that isn’t used for gambling, closing online betting accounts, asking a spouse or other family member to manage your finances, and only carrying a small amount of cash on you when you go out. It’s also worth establishing a support network of family and friends who can offer moral and emotional support. If you are not already in a support network, consider joining a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous – this is a 12-step programme modelled after Alcoholics Anonymous that has helped many gamblers remain free from addiction.
It can feel very lonely when you’re coping with a loved one’s gambling problem. However, reaching out to other families who have the same issue will show you that you are not alone and that there is a way through. You may also benefit from individual therapy, such as psychodynamic therapy or family therapy – these can be very helpful in improving communication and helping you understand your relationship with your gambler.