Gambling refers to the act of risking something of equivalent value with an unpredictable outcome in hopes of winning something else with the same chance of winning. Gambling requires three components to exist: risk, consideration, and a reward. Without any of these, it would not be gambling. The following are factors involved in the process of gambling.

Addiction – There are a number of types of addictions, such as gambling addiction, food addiction, weight loss addiction, gambling addiction, internet addiction, etc. The root cause of each type of addiction is because the person has a psychological or emotional need which is not satisfied by their current state. Some types of addictions have been classified based on the method by which they were acquired. Cocaine addicts are considered to have a gambling addiction while anorexia and bulimia are classified as compulsive eating disorders.

Consideration – This factor includes both external and internal aspects of the individual’s life. These may include ones personal life, ones work, and ones finances. One’s gambling behavior is influenced by the amount of consideration they give to such things as the amount they bet, the types of games they participate in, their chances of winning, the timing of when they gamble, and the effect their gambling behavior has on those around them. One’s inner need to win is also a factor in this category. In addition, other external factors such as one’s environment, the consequences of one’s gambling behavior, and the impact of the gambling addiction on ones life can all contribute to one’s addiction.

Reward – The effects of gambling addiction can be quite powerful. Many people gamble because they find that their bodies require a release of energy, excitement, or a release of stress. Others may be gambling for purely financial reasons; however, there are many people who consider the reward they receive from the gambling activity to outweigh the physical and financial costs of gambling, leading them to suffer from compulsive gambling.

Higher Risk Factor – People with gambling addictions are at a higher risk for depression, substance abuse, and heart attack and other health related issues due to high risk tolerance. People suffering from addiction to gambling have higher chances of getting involved in more intense forms of the addiction due to the euphoric feelings they get from their favorite past time activities. They spend more money and do not see any immediate benefits from these activities. As a result, they tend to keep spending and accumulating debt and fall into further debt cycles.

Gambling Addiction can destroy one’s personal and professional relationships as well. Many times, family members and friends cannot accept the fact that their loved one is a problem gambler and seek to help them overcome the problem. However, many people fail to realize that they themselves can become addicts to gambling and develop compulsive gambling behavior. The most important thing for anyone to remember is that if you do decide to treat gambling addiction, it is imperative to consult a qualified and competent therapist or psychologist to help you recognize your symptoms and devise an effective strategy for recovery. You can find many good treatment centers and rehabs today that can help you rid yourself of your gambling addiction for good.