How to Overcome a Gambling Disorder

Whether it’s buying a lotto ticket, placing a bet on horse races or the pokies, gambling is an activity where people risk something of value on the outcome of an uncertain event. For some people, it can become a serious problem. If you’re concerned your gambling is out of control, there are a number of ways to seek help.

Problem gambling involves excessive and uncontrolled spending on gambles that negatively affect a person’s physical or mental health, work or school performance, relationships, finances, or self-esteem. It can also lead to substance use problems. A person with a gambling disorder has an intense craving for the rush of winning and loses control over their gambling activities. The urge to gamble can be so strong that it becomes impossible to stop even when the consequences are severe.

Pathological gambling is a complex phenomenon, and researchers still don’t know exactly what causes it. However, a combination of factors may contribute to the development of this disorder, including genetics and an underactive brain reward system. Other possible contributing factors include impulsivity, cognitive distortions, and a history of psychological trauma or family dysfunction.

Longitudinal studies of gambling and gambling disorders are rare due to financial and logistical barriers. Additionally, research scientists, psychiatrists and other treatment care clinicians, and public policy makers often frame their perspectives on gambling differently, based on their disciplinary training, special interests, and world views.

For example, in the past, the psychiatric community generally regarded pathological gambling as a compulsion rather than an addiction. In the 1980s, however, the APA moved pathological gambling into the Addictions chapter of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). It is now considered to be an impulse-control disorder, along with kleptomania, pyromania, and trichotillomania (hair-pulling).

Although there are no medications to treat gambling disorder, psychotherapy (a type of talk therapy) can be helpful. This type of therapy can teach a person healthy coping mechanisms and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. It usually takes place with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist or clinical social worker.

When trying to overcome a gambling addiction, you should build up a support network of friends and family. You can also find help from a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous. This 12-step program, modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, can help you find a sponsor – someone who has successfully quit gambling and can offer guidance and encouragement. You can also find a therapist who specializes in treating gambling addiction. For those with the most severe forms of this disorder, inpatient or residential treatment and rehab programs are available. These programs provide round-the-clock support and can teach you how to replace unhealthy coping strategies with healthier ones. They can also help you learn how to manage your money and credit, and get back in control of your life.