Gambling involves risking something of value (such as money or a prize) on the outcome of an event based largely on chance. It can include putting money on a football team to win, buying a scratchcard or playing a casino game.<\/p>\n
People often gamble to get excitement, relieve boredom or socialise with friends. However, it is also a common addiction and can cause financial problems. People with gambling problems often lie to family and friends to conceal their addictive behaviour, and may steal or embezzle in order to fund it. They can also jeopardise a job or career, and can even lose relationships as a result. They might even try to recoup their losses by spending more and more, which is known as chasing their losses.<\/p>\n
Understanding of the problem has evolved over time, and this is reflected in, or stimulated by, changes to the description of pathological gambling in various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association. The nomenclature used by different researchers, psychiatrists and other treatment care clinicians also differs considerably.<\/p>\n
If you think you have a problem with gambling, it\u2019s important to seek help. You could start by strengthening your support network, if possible, and looking at healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings or manage boredom, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don\u2019t gamble, taking up a new hobby, volunteering or using a relaxation technique.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"