Gambling has become a popular recreational activity enjoyed by many, but it is also increasingly recognised as a public health issue. Around 17% of individuals worldwide experience harm from gambling, and for every person who engages in high-risk behaviour, an average of six others are affected. While it is often viewed as a form of entertainment, the question remains: when does gambling cross the line from a harmless pastime to a serious addiction?
Understanding Gambling Addiction
Gambling involves risking money or valuables to win something of greater value. Many people gamble for fun and occasionally participate in various types of gambling, such as buying scratch tickets, playing the lottery, betting on sports, or visiting casinos. With the rise of online gambling, access has become easier, which increases both mass exposure and the risk of addiction.
Gambling addiction, also known as problem gambling or gambling disorder, is a debilitating mental health condition that occurs when a person is trapped in a loop of compulsive gambling and repeated efforts to gain control. The primary indicator of gambling addiction is an individual’s complete engrossment in a specific gambling activity, accompanied by an irresistible drive to continue, despite being fully aware of the potential consequences.
While anyone can develop a gambling addiction, certain factors, including genetics, environment, medical history, age, and significant life events, can make some individuals more susceptible to the disorder.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Gambling Problem
The earlier you recognise harmful behaviour, the easier it is to stop problem gambling. Below are common signs of gambling addiction to watch out for:
Preoccupation
A person may have persistent and recurrent thoughts about gambling, which can interfere with daily responsibilities, lead to less time spent with loved ones, and result in a decreased quality of life. This fixation can include frequent reliving of past gambling experiences, planning the next one, or thinking of ways to obtain money to gamble.
Tolerance
Similar to drug or alcohol abuse, tolerance occurs when an individual feels the need to increase intake or action to achieve the desired outcome or effect. In problem gambling, a person may spend more money and effort than originally intended to experience the same level of satisfaction or excitement.
Chasing Losses
An individual may feel the urgent need to ‘chase’ and continue gambling in hopes of undoing or recouping from a loss. The person may try to win back the money by placing larger bets or taking bigger risks. While this is a common act in gambling, it becomes a problem when it turns into a repetitive and progressive pattern of attempting to recover from defeats.
Losing Control
An individual may try to cut back or stop gambling entirely but struggle to manage urges and remain committed to their goal. They may exhibit restlessness or irritability when people try to stop them or when they cannot gamble. This can be referred to as withdrawal, where the body and mind try to adjust after continuous and prolonged gambling behaviour.
Emotional Numbing
Most people try to avoid dealing with their problems by turning to gambling as a coping mechanism. They may gamble when lonely, helpless, guilty, or anxious to rid themselves of these negative feelings.
It’s a two-way street; a depressed person may incur an addiction to gambling as a form of escape, while a person with a gambling problem may develop depression due to its adverse effects.
Denial
An individual may lie to their family, friends, or even themselves to cover up their gambling issues.
They may underestimate the severity of their problems and believe they can stop when necessary, making it harder for them to seek help and acknowledge they need it.
Stealing or Breaking the Law
People with gambling problems may feel compelled to borrow or even steal money from others just to fix their immediate concerns. This desperate need can lead them to engage in other illegal ventures such as forgery, fraud, or embezzlement to obtain money and sustain their gambling habits.
Personal Problems
Gambling addiction can negatively affect job or school performance and create relationship problems. Individuals struggling with this addiction can also become dependent on others for monetary support, either to fund their gambling or to alleviate financial difficulties.
Effects Of Gambling Addiction
A gambling addiction can profoundly impact many areas of life. It often leads to financial depletion due to reckless spending and mounting debt. The constant deception or requests for cash assistance can leave family and friends feeling exhausted, betrayed, and helpless. Professional and academic pursuits may also suffer because of absenteeism and declining performance. Over time, these accumulating problems can destroy important relationships, lead to missed opportunities, and reinforce the urge to gamble more.
The emotional toll extends beyond money-related issues. Individuals with gambling addiction may experience shame and guilt, mainly because they feel unable to stop despite wanting to. This can cause social isolation, increased vulnerability, and a higher risk of having co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and substance abuse. Loved ones, in turn, may feel a mix of frustration, pity, and uncertainty about what to do.
Furthermore, problem gambling is linked to psychological and physical complications, including headaches, insomnia, and stress-related illnesses, which can contribute to deteriorating overall health. Studies show that people struggling with gambling addiction are 15 times more likely to die from suicide than the general population, underscoring its severe risks.
Treatment For Mental Health To Stop Gambling
A gambling addiction may feel impossible to overcome, but recovery is attainable. Several evidence-based treatments can help individuals regain control of their impulses and rebuild their lives.
Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used treatment approaches for mental health disorders. It aims to alter maladaptive thoughts and behaviours and turn them into healthier thinking patterns and habits.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of CBT focused on helping individuals acquire emotional regulation, stress management, mindfulness, and communication skills. It can be used to treat a variety of behavioural health concerns, including drug addiction.
While individual sessions can provide focused and personalised support, group therapy can foster meaningful social connections beneficial for addiction treatment.
Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis can be helpful for gambling addiction, as it often co-occurs or contributes to the development of other mental health disorders such as depression and substance use. This approach is designed to address both conditions simultaneously without compromising the other.
Holistic Approach
Holistic treatment considers the full scope of factors contributing to gambling addiction. It does not solely focus on the physical aspect but also tackles the emotional, psychological, and spiritual viewpoints. A wide range of holistic treatments, including meditation, yoga, and mindfulness, promote overall health and recovery.
Residential Treatment
A residential treatment plan includes full-time extensive and structured care in a facility free from distractions and triggers. It is a safe place centred on recovery and healing and offers a combination of treatment approaches personalised to your needs.
Get Help Today
If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling problems, now is the best time to seek help. The Orchid has a dedicated team of experienced professionals who can assist you in your healing journey. This recovery centre offers comprehensive assessments and a wide range of effective treatments to help you break the cycle of compulsive gambling. You are not alone, and you don’t have to be. Reach out today and take the first step toward recovery.
