Gambling is a behavior that involves risking something of value, usually money, for the prospect of gaining more of it. People can become addicted to gambling for a variety of reasons, including boredom, financial problems or an inability to cope with stress and depression. The behavior can also be a way to escape from reality and avoid dealing with personal issues. The media often portrays gambling as a glamorous, fun and exciting activity. For many, it provides a short term fix of pleasure and excitement but ultimately comes at a high cost to individuals, families and communities.

The term “problem gambling” describes the occurrence of gambling behavior that leads to negative consequences for the gambler or his or her family. It may include spending more than intended, taking out loans to finance gambling activities or borrowing money to pay for bills. Many people with a gambling problem don’t recognise that there is a problem until they hit rock bottom and experience a financial crisis, such as a court summons for non-payment of debt or repossession action on their home.

In addition to the financial costs, a person’s relationship with his or her family may suffer as a result of a gambling disorder. Individuals with gambling disorders can feel isolated from their friends and may experience emotional distress and feelings of guilt and shame. They might also have difficulty with work performance, missing deadlines or displaying poor work ethics. Some may even commit fraud, embezzlement or theft in order to fund their gambling addiction.

When someone engages in problematic gambling, their brain is no longer able to distinguish between winning and losing. This is because of changes that occur in the reward pathways in the brain. When someone successfully completes a task, such as shooting a basket or hitting a baseball into a field, their brain rewards them with dopamine. Similarly, when someone wins at a game of chance, their brain rewards them with the same dopamine. However, in problematic gambling, the positive dopamine response to successful outcomes is triggered even when those results are not actually beneficial.

There are a number of ways to help a loved one with a gambling problem. It is important to seek professional advice. It can be helpful to set boundaries in managing money, take control of household finances, review bank and credit card statements and limit access to gambling establishments. Some people with a gambling problem can also benefit from attending support groups or undergoing therapy. A good place to start is with a phone call to a national helpline, which can provide local referral resources for a therapist or counseling program. It is also important to plan for recovery by making a list of the benefits of being free from the gambling disorder, such as improved financial health and more fulfilling relationships with family members. By having a clear plan in place, it can be easier to stick to it. It is also important to rely on the support of family and friends and to find healthy distractions such as exercise, hobbies or spirituality.