Gambling Disorders – How to Control Your Gambling
Gambling is a common and risky pastime, but for some people it can become an addiction. Many factors contribute to the development of gambling disorders, including: genetic predisposition, social and family environment, impulsivity, psychological distortions, and coexisting mental health problems. Understanding these factors can help you recognize warning signs and take steps to reduce or prevent problem gambling.
Many people enjoy the excitement of gambling, but for some, it becomes a harmful activity that affects their lives and those around them. Problem gamblers are not always aware of the harm they cause, and their behavior may continue to worsen. If you have trouble controlling your gambling, seek treatment and help from a qualified professional.
There are many reasons why people gamble, but the most popular motive is the desire to win money. People also gamble for fun, to socialize with friends, or to relax.
When you gamble, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel excited. When you win, your brain gets even more dopamine, which can make you feel euphoric and trigger an addictive cycle. But the good news is that you can control your gambling by creating healthy habits before you go to a casino.
You can start by avoiding impulsive decisions and keeping your emotions in check. Then, choose a small amount of money that you are willing to lose and stick to it. If you start to feel a strong urge to gamble, leave the casino. You should also never gamble with someone else’s money, and don’t use a credit card or your ATM card to fund your gambling habits.
It’s also a good idea to tip your dealer regularly, either by handing them a chip and clearly saying “This is for me,” or placing a bet for them. The dealers work hard and it’s nice to reward them for their efforts. Also, never gamble on drinks that the casino offers for free; they are usually high in alcohol and will distract you from a smarter choice.
Lastly, if you are a problem gambler, be sure to tell your loved ones about your gambling activities and avoid lying to them. This will help keep them informed of your behaviors and give them a chance to offer support when needed.
The way we understand gambling and gambling disorders has undergone a radical change. For most of history, individuals who experienced adverse consequences from their gambling were considered to have behavioral problems; today, they are viewed as having a psychological disorder. This shift is parallel to the one we have seen in our understanding of alcoholics and alcoholism. This evolution has been reflected in, or stimulated by, the evolving clinical classification and description of pathological gambling in the various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (called DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
