Gambling is a fun pastime, but it can also be harmful for some. It can cause financial stress, damage family relationships and even lead to criminal activity and homelessness. Problem gambling can affect anyone, but it is more common in young people. This is because the human brain does not fully mature until about age 25. It is therefore more prone to making bad decisions while gambling.
The best way to help a loved one overcome a gambling addiction is to reach out for support. It can feel like you are the only person with a problem, but there are plenty of others who have successfully dealt with this issue and rebuilt their lives. It is also important to set boundaries in managing money and to limit their access to credit cards or other forms of cash.
It is also helpful to get the person in your life into therapy. BetterHelp is an online service that matches you with licensed therapists for all kinds of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems and more. It is easy to sign up and you can be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.
When a person gambles, their brain releases dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter that makes them feel excited when they win. But this response is triggered by losing as well, which can confuse the gambler into thinking that they are still on a winning streak. This confusion can lead to them betting more and more in an attempt to recoup their losses.