Gambling is risking money or something of value on an outcome that is based on chance, such as a scratch-off ticket or slot machine. Those who win the gamble can earn anything from a small amount of money to a life-changing jackpot. It is common for people to gamble for a variety of reasons, including the potential to change their moods and the excitement of winning. Some people also gamble for a social experience, as gambling can provide an opportunity to meet new friends. Regardless of the reason, some people become addicted to gambling and need help.
While most people can walk away after a few rounds of poker or a spin of the slots, some cannot. These individuals are considered to have gambling disorder, which is a serious mental health condition and defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a recurrent and persistent pattern of gambling behavior that causes significant distress or impairment.
Behavioral treatments for pathological gambling are generally based on integrated approaches that attempt to address the core features of pathological gambling, such as compulsive behaviors, cravings, and irrational beliefs. However, these treatments have achieved varying degrees of success, perhaps due to differences in theoretic conceptualizations and assumptions about the etiology of pathological gambling.
If you have a loved one with a gambling addiction, it is important to remember that he or she did not choose to develop a gambling problem. Many individuals, especially those with low incomes, are more vulnerable to developing a gambling disorder because they have more to lose. For these reasons, it is important to educate yourself on gambling and its risks.