Top 7 Reasons Why a Person gambles

Gambling, like any other vocation, requires lot of hard work, dedication, patience, perseverance, and a little bit of luck. It requires one to consider all possible outcomes and the factors that can influence them before betting. Without such considerations, it’s no wonder that some people end up in a losing streak, while others manage to rack up countless winnings over a period of time. The first and most important factor in gambling is that one should have an idea of how much he/she is willing to lose. In order to have a definite idea of how much to bet, one must do lots of research regarding the type of game he/she is going to play. It is ideal to research different types of games because different games require various strategies.

The next factor is to determine the amount of money that one has at stake; this factor is known as risk factor. A gambler considers the amount of money at stake and the possible outcomes, and based on the risk factor calculates the odds and relates it to the benefits of gambling. Gambling therefore requires three components to be present: risk, consideration, and a prize to be won. The prizes offered by gambling, if not won could cause negative impact on a person’s finances; hence, gambling should only be considered as a form of a means to an end, not as an addiction.

Problem gambling is when a person has developed a habit of regularly engaging in acts of self-indulgence, which brings about a physical and mental ailment due to excessive reliance on such acts. When a person is afflicted by problem gambling, he/she tends to focus more on the end result rather than considering how to come out of the habit. As a result, there is always a possibility of experiencing a negative impact on one’s finances. Problem gambling is considered as an addiction, because it causes a serious erosion of one’s morals, ethics, and self-respect. The person’s relationships with his family, friends, workmates, and other associates are also negatively affected by the problem. There is a high probability that the individual may also be suffering from other addictions such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and substance dependence.

This type of addiction can be successfully treated with the right treatment program. One of the most common treatment programs used for problem gambling is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy targets the cause(s) of the problem and develops a treatment plan based on these causes. Another common treatment program used for compulsive gamblers is the Psychoanalytic Treatment Program (PTP), which addresses the emotional and psychological aspects of the addiction.

A compulsive gamblers is not able to change his/her gambling behavior despite the presence of a strong will. These individuals are unable to control their urge to gamble and thus resort to behaviors associated with gambling in order to satisfy their needs to indulge in this activity. Compulsive gamblers are prone to engage in wasteful eating patterns, shopping sprees, and excessive consumption of self medications and recreational drugs. It is also very important to note that all people react differently to therapies and treatments. The severity of the gambling addiction and its effect on the personal and professional life of the individual vary as does the time required to fully recover from the addiction.

It is very essential that before an individual decides to quit gambling, he/she should understand the gravity of his/her actions. Individuals who wish to stop gambling addiction should take the necessary steps towards recovery. This includes developing healthy habits in the areas of diet and nutrition, engaging in regular exercise, and taking part in therapy. If you wish to quit gambling, it is important to seek professional help from a gambler support group in order to achieve your goal.