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The Social Impacts of Gambling

Gambling is the wagering of something of value, such as money or property, on an uncertain event with the intention of winning a prize. It can be an addictive activity that has negative impacts for gamblers and their significant others. While many studies have examined the economic costs of gambling, fewer studies have focused on social impacts. Social impacts are defined by Williams and Barnett as nonmonetary and aggregate societal real wealth to a population. They include harms to a gambler and their family and friends as well as other impacts that may affect the broader community.

When it comes to stopping compulsive gambling, identifying and altering unhealthy thinking patterns is key. This includes challenging the illusion of control, irrational beliefs and the gambler’s fallacy. It’s also important to re-establish positive life activities and to avoid triggers like alcohol, friends who gamble or places where gambling is encouraged.

Often, people who struggle with problem gambling also have underlying conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, which require treatment. Treatment might include therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for gambling addiction. It teaches the gambler to identify and resist unhealthy urges, solve work, financial and relationship problems and address their distorted thoughts that fuel the addiction.

To combat the effects of gambling, gamblers should set budget limits before playing. It’s also helpful to keep track of the amount they are spending and to walk away if they lose that money. In addition, it’s a good idea to limit access to credit cards and other nonessential cash. Finally, it’s essential to strengthen your support network and find new ways to occupy your time. This can be done by reaching out to old friends, enrolling in a class or volunteering for a cause you care about. You can also join a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous.