Gambling is the risk-taking of money or property for the opportunity to win a prize. It can be an occasional activity or a serious problem.

Harm from gambling is an important issue, and it affects individuals and their families. It can have a detrimental impact on health, finances and relationships. It is estimated that one in ten people suffers from some form of gambling disorder. It is important to recognise that a person cannot stop gambling by themselves, but they may be able to manage their behaviour and improve their lives.

A common comorbidity of problem gambling is alcohol use and depression. These can make it difficult to stop the behaviours, so it is important to seek help if you think you have a problem. Getting support and counselling can help you learn how to manage your gambling and deal with the other problems that it causes.

There are many different forms of gambling, including casino games, lotteries, lottery games and sports betting. Some people gamble for fun, while others are addicted to gambling and can’t stop.

Gambling can be a way to relieve unpleasant feelings or to socialise. However, it’s not a good idea to continue gambling for long periods of time and you should try other ways of relieving your emotions.

Some people may be more at risk of harm from gambling than others, for example, if they are female, have a family history of problem gambling or live in a low socioeconomic status area. You should speak to your doctor if you suspect that you might have a problem with gambling, and it is also important to talk about it with your family and friends.

It can be hard to admit that you have a problem, especially if you’ve already lost a large amount of money. But it’s never too late to get help and start living a better life.

Identifying your own problem is the first step towards recovery and rebuilding your life. There are different ways to treat problem gambling, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and group therapy.

Be honest with yourself and your family about how much you are losing and what it is costing you. It can be very stressful and embarrassing to admit your problems, but it is necessary for the process of recovery.

Find alternative ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, taking up new hobbies, or practicing relaxation techniques. It’s not only healthy to reduce your exposure to gambling, but it can help you learn to manage your emotions and improve your life in general.

Aim: To develop a coherent definition of gambling related harm, to conceptualise the breadth and experience of harms associated with gambling and to develop a taxonomy of harms that can be used to measure gambling-related harm.

Harms from gambling can be caused by a number of factors, including psychological trauma, social inequality, and traumatic experiences. They can start as early as adolescence, or as late as older adulthood. They can occur alone or with family members, and they can be linked to thoughts of suicide.