The Role of Gambling in Primary Care

Gambling is an activity in which people risk something of value on an event that is determined at least in part by chance. This could be money, property or other possessions in the hope of winning more than they lose. Most people are familiar with casino games and placing bets on sports events, but many other activities are also forms of gambling. These include playing bingo, buying lottery or scratchcard tickets and even betting on office pools. It is important to remember that if someone has a problem with gambling, it can affect every aspect of their life, including family, friendships and work.

In addition, a large number of people with mental health problems have a high-risk of developing gambling addiction. These people may be more likely to use gambling as a way of distracting themselves from painful feelings, and they are often at greater risk of financial crisis, such as debt and bankruptcy. They are also more likely to hide their gambling or lie about how much they gamble, and be compelled to chase losses by increasing their bets in an attempt to win back their money.

People who have a gambling problem are more at risk of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. They can also be at risk of alcohol misuse and other substance abuse, which can cause serious health problems. It is therefore important to consider a patient’s use of gambling in the context of their overall mental health and treat any underlying health conditions that they have.

A growing role exists for the evaluation of patients’ gambling behaviors within primary care settings for addictive disorders.1 This is particularly true in the case of pathological gambling, which can be associated with poorer physical and mental health outcomes than non-pathological gambling.2

There are a range of treatments available to help people with a gambling problem, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based CBT. These therapies focus on changing the ways that people think about and engage with betting. For example, people with a gambling problem often believe that certain rituals will bring them luck, or that they are more likely to win if they bet more than other people. CBT aims to challenge these beliefs and help people develop more realistic, balanced views of the chances of winning and losing.

The first step towards overcoming a gambling problem is admitting that you have a problem. This can be hard, especially if you have lost a lot of money and strained relationships as a result of your addiction. Taking steps to reduce your gambling and finding other recreational activities that don’t involve money can help you break the habit. You can also speak to a professional counsellor – BetterHelp matches you with therapists who are licensed, accredited and experienced in treating gambling addiction and related issues. To get started, take the assessment and be matched with a therapist in just 48 hours.