Gambling is the placing of a wager or risk on an uncertain outcome, usually with a monetary value. It has occurred in every society since prerecorded history and has been incorporated into many local customs and rites of passage. Despite its wide-spread acceptance, gambling can have serious negative personal, family, and social consequences. It also has a long history of illicit and criminal behavior, including forgery, embezzlement, fraud, theft, and robbery.<\/p>\n
While most people gamble for recreation and fun, a small group becomes heavily involved in gambling and develops pathological gambling (PG), which is recognized as an Impulse Control Disorder in current psychiatric manuals. PG is defined by five or more of the following symptoms: (1) a compulsion to gamble; (2) significant losses of money, time, and relationships as a result of gambling; (3) lying to family members, therapists, or others about one\u2019s involvement in gambling; (4) engaging in illegal activities, such as forgery, theft, or embezzlement, to finance gambling; and (5) jeopardizing a job or career to pursue gambling activities.<\/p>\n
Gambling can lead to a variety of emotions, including stress, regret, and guilt. While these feelings are normal, they can become problematic if someone gambles often or for a long period of time. If you have these feelings, or know someone who does, it may be time to take action. Gambling can also lead to poor health, family problems, and even substance abuse. These are serious issues and are not to be taken lightly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"