Health Consequences of Gambling Disorders

While most people who gamble do so responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game, a small percentage develop gambling disorder, defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a recurrent pattern of problematic gambling that is associated with substantial distress or impairment. The condition is more common in certain populations, including young people and those with lower incomes. It is also more prevalent among men than women. However, there are many treatment options available to help individuals overcome this problem.

In some cases, gambling addiction may be caused by a co-occurring psychological condition such as depression or anxiety. In these situations, counseling can be helpful in helping the person identify and discuss their concerns. Counseling can also provide strategies for managing the symptoms, including coping with urges to gamble. In some cases, inpatient or residential treatment programs may be necessary to address the severity of the disorder and provide around-the-clock support.

Gambling is a popular past time and is often associated with fun, excitement and social interaction. It is a popular activity in casinos and other gaming establishments, but it can also be done online or through other electronic media. In addition, many individuals participate in private gambling, such as playing card games with friends or family members for money or chips, placing bets on sports events or horse races, or making informal wagers with coworkers or neighbors.

While gambling does have some negative aspects, such as causing serious financial problems, it can also benefit society in other ways. For example, it provides employment to a large number of people, and it can help stimulate economic growth in areas that rely heavily on gambling. It can also be used as a way to relieve boredom or stress. However, there are more effective and healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as exercising, spending time with friends who do not gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques.

A growing role exists for evaluating patients’ gambling behaviors in the primary care setting, as it can be a risk factor for addictive disorders. This article reviews the literature on this topic and discusses the health consequences of pathological gambling and screening for it in a medical setting.

A person can develop a gambling addiction in any age group, race, religion or socioeconomic status. Individuals who are at high risk for developing a gambling disorder include those with a history of alcohol or other drug use and those who have poor impulse control. People with lower incomes tend to be more susceptible, because they have more to lose and less to gain from a big win than those with more money. In addition, young people and those who have been exposed to a lot of gambling as children are more likely to develop a gambling disorder than those who do not. In fact, there are even some people with a gambling disorder who have never touched a casino in their lives.