Gambling is a risky activity in which a person puts an item of value at risk in hopes of winning more money or a prize. It has many different definitions, depending on who you ask. Special populations are particularly vulnerable to gambling addiction, including adolescents, aging adults, veterans, and members of the Latino and Asian communities. Depending on your particular situation, you may also be at risk if you are part of one of these groups.

When a person develops a problem with gambling, he may be preoccupied with the activity, even to the point of borrowing money to finance their addiction. This problem can lead to a range of negative emotional effects, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and self-harming tendencies. These people often lie about their gambling habits, preventing family members from noticing them. Additionally, sleep deprivation can lead to acne and dark circles under the eyes.

While a lack of knowledge about the causes of compulsive gambling can be detrimental to a person’s overall well-being, there are several steps to take when it comes to treating a gambling addiction. First, ask yourself if you would be okay if you stopped gambling. If you find that you’re no longer able to stop, don’t wait until your family and friends put you in danger. Instead, call a hotline and talk to a trained counselor to determine if you should seek help and learn about the resources available to you.

There are several different treatment options available for people who are struggling with addiction to gambling. One of these is cognitive-behavioral therapy, a proven technique for addiction recovery. CBT helps people learn to resist the urge to gamble by training their brain to reject undesirable thoughts and habits. In addition, an addict may learn how to confront his or her irrational beliefs and regain control of their impulses. It may take a while, but the benefits of CBT are worth a try.