Gambling is the risking of something of value (money, property, or reputation) on an event that is largely unpredictable and has the potential to yield a profit. While most people gamble for fun, a small percentage develop an addiction to gambling, resulting in negative personal, family, and financial consequences. While the exact causes of gambling addiction remain unclear, current research suggests that a combination of biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors contribute to its development.

The act of gambling can trigger a range of emotions including anxiety, excitement, fear, regret and stress. While these feelings are not necessarily harmful, it is important to understand how they can impact your mental health and wellbeing. Here are some signs that you may be suffering from the negative effects of gambling.

Have you been hiding your gambling habits from friends and family, or lying to them? Do you feel compelled to gamble even when you know you are at risk of spending too much money or being unable to stop? Have you been borrowing money or stealing to fund your gambling? If so, this is a warning sign of a problem.

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Gambling problems can have serious and sometimes life threatening consequences, particularly if they lead to self harm or thoughts of suicide. Seeking support and treatment will help you regain control of your life.

Some people gamble because they find it psychologically rewarding, and the ‘high’ of anticipating a win can be better than any feeling they get from other activities. However, the ‘low’ of losing can be devastating and can leave people with feelings of despair and helplessness. These feelings can make people feel desperate to gamble again, in the hope that they will win back their lost money.

The risk of developing a gambling problem increases with age, but can affect anyone, regardless of their education or income level. While most people who have a gambling problem are men, women and children are also affected at equal rates. Vulnerability also varies by demographics, with people from low income families being more likely to develop gambling problems, as are young people and those who began gambling as teenagers.

There are many ways to seek treatment for a gambling problem, and some treatments are more effective than others. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for example, can help you learn to resist your urges and challenge irrational beliefs, such as the belief that a string of losses will eventually turn into a big win. You can also join a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, to receive guidance and support from those who have recovered from their gambling addictions. In severe cases, residential or inpatient treatment programs are also available. These programs are aimed at those with the most severe gambling problems and offer round-the-clock support and treatment. They are usually staffed by experienced and licensed clinical staff, such as psychologists or psychiatrists.