Gambling Disorder

gambling

Whether you play the lotto, bet on horse races or pokies, gambling is a risky activity. It can lead to serious financial problems, depression, and mental health issues. Gambling can also take the place of other activities that are important to your wellbeing.

A key factor in avoiding gambling problems is to understand how gambling works. You should know what the rules are for each game and how much you can expect to lose before you start playing.

Understanding what makes a gambling game different from another will help you make better decisions and avoid wasting money on games that are not worth your time. You may want to consult a responsible gambling expert for more information and tips on how to play safely.

The newest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists Gambling Disorder as a new category in behavioral addictions. This reflects research findings that gambling disorder is similar to substance-related disorders in clinical expression, brain origin, comorbidity, physiology and treatment.

While most people gamble occasionally, it can be an unhealthy habit. If you find yourself spending more than you can afford, or if you are losing track of time while gambling, you should consider getting help.

Problem gambling is a psychological addiction, and it can affect anyone. Symptoms of gambling addiction may appear in people as early as adolescence or as late as older adulthood. It may also develop in families.

Many people who are struggling with a gambling problem can be helped by talking to their family or friends. This can help them overcome their problems and stay healthy.

It can also help to seek help for underlying mood disorders, such as depression or stress. These can be triggered or worsened by compulsive gambling, and they may need to be addressed in addition to gambling.

If you are in a situation where you cannot cut back on gambling, or if you have already become addicted, seek professional help from a psychologist or psychiatrist. Psychiatrists can provide you with medications, therapy and other forms of counseling to help you stop gambling and live a healthy life.

Some of the most common symptoms of a gambling problem are feeling desperate for money, chasing losses, and seeking social status in the gamblers’ community. Those with a gambling disorder may also suffer from other mood and behavior disorders, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

While many people can control their gambling without any negative effects, others are more likely to have a problem. This can be a difficult issue to address, but with the right treatment and support, it can be easier than you think.

One of the most effective ways to overcome a gambling problem is to find a support group and seek help. This can include joining a gambling-related program such as Gamblers Anonymous.

There are many support groups and online resources that can offer valuable information and help you get started on the road to recovery. These include Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Al-Anon.