Whether you’re playing roulette in Las Vegas or betting on the next football match, gambling is all about putting something of value at risk in order to win something else of value. It’s a risky and unpredictable activity, and one that can have serious consequences for your health.
Gambling is not just about the money you gamble with – it can also have an impact on your relationships, your physical and mental health, performance at work or study and even get you into trouble with the law. It’s important to understand the risks involved and how to recognise if gambling is becoming a problem for you.
If you are concerned about your gambling habits, there are many things you can do to help. You can seek support, join a support group or try and distract yourself from the urge to gamble by doing other activities that you enjoy. You can also contact a gambling helpline for non-judgemental advice.
It’s important to remember that the only thing you really have control over in gambling is your own decision-making. You need to know when it’s time to walk away. It’s also a good idea to only ever gamble with disposable income and never use money that you need to save for essentials.
When you gamble, your brain releases dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that makes you feel excited. This chemical response is triggered by the chances of winning or losing, so it can be hard to recognize when it’s time to stop. Moreover, the euphoria associated with winning can make you want to gamble more and more, which can lead to a downward spiral of bad decisions and reckless behaviour.
Another reason why gambling can be so dangerous is that it takes you out of the present moment. When you gamble, you are often ignoring important events or experiences with your friends and family. You might also be missing out on life-enriching activities like eating, exercising and sleeping. You can avoid these dangers by only gambling with the money you can afford to lose and making sure you have a balance in your life that includes other fun activities.
People who are addicted to gambling can become withdrawn, distant and secretive. They may lie to their families and friends, break promises and ignore responsibilities. This can have a negative impact on their mental and physical health and can lead to serious financial difficulties, even homelessness. In extreme cases, it can lead to self-harm or even suicide.
It’s important to recognize the signs of a gambling problem, but it’s equally crucial to get support as soon as you need it. You can seek help from a GP, NHS or support services. If you are feeling suicidal, call 999 immediately. Getting treatment early can help reduce suicide attempts and prevent them from occurring in the first place.