How to Cope With a Gambling Disorder

Gambling is a form of entertainment that involves betting on events that involve a degree of uncertainty. It is a type of risk taking that can lead to financial ruin, but some people also find that gambling gives them a sense of pleasure and thrill when they win. People who struggle with a gambling addiction may experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and guilt as they attempt to cope with their problem.

There are many different reasons why people gamble, including a desire to experience excitement and a need to escape from boredom or stress. Others use gambling as a way to meet their social needs, such as a desire for status and a feeling of belonging. Casinos often encourage social interaction through elaborate marketing and rewards programs.

Although the vast majority of people who gamble do so without problems, a small number develop a gambling disorder, which is characterized by a persistent and recurrent pattern of gambling behavior that results in significant distress or impairment. According to the American Psychiatric Association, individuals with gambling disorders may exhibit any of the following symptoms:

In order to understand why some people develop a gambling addiction, it is important to consider various theories about how humans learn and control their impulses. Theories like Zuckerman’s theory of sensation-seeking and Cloninger’s theory of alcohol consumption suggest that some people are predisposed to the enjoyment of gambling, particularly when it is accompanied by high levels of uncertainty and arousal.