When you or someone you love has a gambling addiction, there are several options available to help you get control. A good first step is to get professional help. Online therapists can help you find someone who has experience treating gambling addiction. BetterHelp is a reader-supported site that matches users with qualified therapists. Admitting that you have a gambling addiction can be difficult, but you must realize that you are not alone. Getting professional help will help you set healthy boundaries for managing money and help you and your loved one stay accountable.
To determine if an individual is suffering from a gambling disorder, mental health professionals have come up with criteria. They use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria to diagnose psychological problems, including gambling. The DSM lists Gambling Disorder as a psychiatric disorder alongside other addictive behaviors. When an individual meets these criteria, they may be suffering from gambling addiction. Further tests may be needed to identify the causes and effects of this problem.
In ancient China, the first evidence of gambling dates back to 2,300 B.C. The earliest dice were based on astragali, and the first six-sided dice were found in Mesopotamia around 3000 BC. Currently, gambling has become a highly lucrative hobby in the US and is expected to reach $13.6 billion in the second quarter of 2021. Further, in Japan, gambling has been documented since the 14th century.