Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of a Gambling Disorder

Gambling involves risking something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome, such as the roll of a dice, spin of a wheel or the result of a race. It can also involve placing a bet with friends, using scratchcards or fruit machines, or betting on sports events or horse races. Gambling is a popular pastime in many countries, and it can be an exciting and social activity. However, it can become a problem when it is out of control.

In the United States, 2.5 million adults meet the criteria for a gambling disorder. That’s about 1% of all adults. Gambling disorders can cause serious problems with work, relationships and health.

There are a number of things you can do to help someone with a gambling problem. Talk to them about their problem, and try to understand what drives them to gamble. It may be for coping reasons – to forget their worries, to feel more confident or to relieve anxiety – or for money. But it can also be because they have a personality type that makes them more susceptible to gambling addiction.

If a loved one has a gambling problem, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a gambling disorder and to seek treatment when needed. Signs of a gambling disorder include:

Experiencing repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling. Feeling compelled to gamble even when losing money. Frequently lying to conceal how much is being spent on gambling. Jeopardizing a relationship, job or education or career opportunity because of gambling. Increasing the amount of money bets to try to win lost money back (chasing losses).

While some people who engage in gambling do so for fun, others develop an unhealthy addiction. This can cause a wide range of issues that affect the individual and family, such as financial distress, marital strife and loss of employment. It can also lead to substance use and mental health problems.

The best way to reduce your chances of developing a gambling problem is to practice self-control. This can be done by setting time limits, avoiding credit cards and leaving nonessential cash at home before going to the casino, and balancing gambling with other activities. In addition, it is important to avoid triggers, such as taking the same route to and from work that passes a casino or watching a game of football or horse racing on television.

If you find that gambling is a frequent part of your life, consider seeking therapy or support for underlying mood disorders such as depression and stress. This can prevent gambling from becoming a habit and make it easier to quit when you are ready. It is also a good idea to replace problem gambling with other stimulating activities, such as exercise, hobbies and spending time with friends. In addition, practicing mindfulness can help to decrease negative thinking habits such as the illusion of control and irrational beliefs that can increase compulsive gambling.