While many people enjoy gambling, for others it can become a serious addiction. There are a number of factors that contribute to this, from genetic https://convr2022.com/ predisposition to chemical changes in the brain that can trigger over-activity. But the most important factor is often a desire to make money, combined with irrational beliefs that losses will be balanced out by future wins. The result is a vicious cycle of spending more and more money, until the gambler has nothing left.
What is Gambling?
Gambling is risking something of value (money, possessions or your own reputation) on an event that is determined at least in part by chance. It can be anything from playing cards, a spin on the roulette wheel or a bet on a football accumulator, to buying lottery tickets or scratchcards and even betting on office pools. In the past, pathological gambling was regarded as a compulsion motivated by a need to relieve anxiety, but now it is recognised as an addiction akin to substance addiction.
Despite the glitz, glamour and excitement of gambling, it is a high-risk activity with low rewards. The probability of losing outweighs the possibility of winning by a large margin. The house always has an edge, and the gambler’s misperception that it is possible to win consistently leads them into a trap of continuing to play in order to’make up for previous losses’.
In addition, humans crave control, and the frustration that gambling is unpredictable can lead a person to try and gain a feeling of control by making small changes to their behaviour, such as throwing the dice in a certain way or wearing a particular lucky item of clothing. This is known as the Gambler’s Fallacy, and it is a very common error.
For those trying to help a loved one who is struggling with gambling, it is essential to understand the way in which this addiction works. It is also helpful to understand the underlying causes, such as boredom, financial difficulties, depression, grief or a desire to escape from everyday life. The media often portrays gambling as fun, sexy, glamorous and fashionable, which can add to the enticement. It is also important to remember that while gambling can become a problem, it is not the gambler’s fault. They did not choose to gamble, and they probably do not realise how addictive it can be. Having a greater understanding of this can help us avoid making the mistake of getting angry at our loved ones for gambling excessively. Instead, we can encourage them to seek treatment. This is especially crucial if they have access to treatment such as cognitive-behaviour therapy, which can teach them to resist unwanted thoughts and habits. This is particularly useful in confronting irrational beliefs, such as the belief that a sequence of losses or near misses will eventually be balanced out by a win. It can be difficult to do this alone, so it’s a good idea to join a support group.
