Gambling is an extremely high-stakes and risky activity involving placing bets on the outcome of events, with bets on both wins and losses similar to riding an emotional rollercoaster ride – exhilaration with wins, devastation with losses. Unfortunately for some individuals gambling becomes problematic and has serious repercussions.

Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime, but for others the thrill can become an addictive addiction, known as gambling disorder and classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Some forms may even result in suicidal thoughts or acts.

Gambling disorder affects only a minority of individuals; however, for some it has become an overwhelming challenge that has contributed to major societal problems, including crime, substance abuse, health concerns and family/interpersonal distress. Some countries ban or limit gambling while others permit it – the key thing is finding effective strategies for combatting the urge to gamble; such as spending more time with family and friends or finding other activities which provide satisfaction; cognitive behavioral therapy can be particularly helpful at helping identify beliefs which lead to problematic gambling behavior and cognitive behavioral therapy can identify beliefs which help combat it – either way it helps individuals as individuals identify beliefs which trigger harmful gambling behaviors by helping identify beliefs which cause them.

Studies have demonstrated that certain groups are at greater risk for gambling problems, including young adults with lower incomes and those who have a history of depression or anxiety. These factors are influenced by genetics, environmental influences, brain regions processing reward information and controlling impulses, as well as whether someone inherits risk-taking behavior and an underactive reward system from their ancestry.

Culture can make it harder to recognize gambling problems and seek assistance, and some communities share values around gambling which reinforce negative stereotypes and attitudes toward those with addictions – for instance family violence, theft and illicit lending have all been associated with gambling addictions in some studies; pathological gambling may even increase your risk of dating violence, domestic and interpersonal violence as well as homicide, according to research studies.

Other than seeking professional help, individuals can also take steps to lower the risk of gambling addiction, including restricting access to funds through taking steps such as withdrawing credit cards, closing online betting accounts and assigning someone else the responsibility of finances; staying away from casinos and other tempting places and joining peer support groups like Gamblers Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous for guidance and support from people who have successfully given up gambling themselves; self-help resources available online include gambling helplines and websites.