Gambling is a term that encompasses many different activities that involve risking something of value, such as money, goods or services, on an uncertain outcome. It’s a global industry with legal and illegal forms. Some people engage in gambling for fun or entertainment, while others do so as a way to increase their wealth. Many people have trouble controlling their gambling habits and end up suffering serious financial and emotional consequences. Often, these problems are compounded by co-occurring mental health issues.
Problem gambling is a serious issue that affects a person’s social, professional and family life. It can cause stress, anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts in some cases. It can also lead to relationship breakdowns and financial strain for both the gambler and their loved ones. If you suspect that a friend or relative is struggling with a gambling disorder, there are several steps you can take to help them get the support they need.
While you can’t force a loved one to acknowledge that their gambling is harmful, it’s important to communicate your feelings and concerns openly and respectfully. Try to avoid enabling behaviour, such as lending them money to cover losses, and encourage them to seek help for their addiction. If you’re having difficulty dealing with a loved one’s gambling harm, it’s worth seeking support from a counsellor who specialises in gambling issues.
Despite the widespread availability of gambling, it remains a relatively obscure subject. The reason for this is that it’s a complex issue that’s affected by many different factors, including recreational interests, mental illness, poor judgment, cognitive distortions and moral turpitude. While the majority of gamblers are adults, some young people do engage in the activity as well.
The main reasons that people gamble are to get an adrenaline rush, socialise, win money or escape from their worries. It’s often difficult for those close to a person who is addicted to gambling to recognise that they have a problem because it can be an isolated activity. Addicts may hide their spending or lie about their finances to avoid confrontation and retaliation. They may also borrow money or money from friends, family members and work colleagues to fund their gambling habit.
In addition, they might develop a gambling ‘reward system’ in which they reward themselves with food, alcohol or sex when they win money. This can exacerbate their gambling addiction and make them feel the need to continue gambling in order to maintain these feelings. Similarly, a low feeling after a big loss can increase the desire to gamble in an attempt to ‘make up for it’. This vicious circle can be very hard to break out of. For this reason, it’s important to identify your own triggers and develop a healthy coping mechanism. Trying to keep up with your hobbies, maintaining regular exercise and spending time with supportive friends and family are all good ways of managing your stress levels. You can also speak to a counsellor about financial and emotional support.