Problem Gambling refers to any gambling behavior that disrupts an individual’s life or causes harm to them or their loved ones. It is not just about how much money or time you spend on gambling, but how it impacts your life and the lives of those around you. Like substance abuse, it is considered an impulse-control disorder where individuals cannot control the urge to gamble, even when they know it has negative outcomes.
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What It Is
The Impact
The consequences of problem gambling can be vast and touch on various aspects of an individual’s life:
Financial:
Huge debts, bankruptcy, loss of savings, or even losing one’s home.
Emotional:
Stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of guilt and shame.
Physical:
Sleep disorders, neglect of personal health, and other stress-related health issues.
Social:
Strained relationships, loss of trust, and isolation from loved ones.
Occupational:
Job loss, diminished work performance, or using work time to gamble.
Legal:
Engaging in illegal activities like theft or fraud to finance gambling.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Recognizing the signs is the first step toward intervention:
Loss of Control:
Inability to stick to time or money limits set for gambling.
Chasing Losses:
Trying to win back money that was lost by betting even more.
Secrecy:
Lying about gambling habits or trying to hide them.
Preoccupation:
Constantly thinking about gambling.
Escaping Problems:
Using gambling as a way to escape problems or feelings of sadness and anxiety.
Neglecting Responsibilities:
Ignoring work, school, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
Borrowing Money:
Resorting to borrowing money, selling possessions, or even stealing to fund gambling.
Ways to Help Yourself
If you believe you or someone you know might have a gambling problem:
Self-exclusion:
Many gambling venues offer self-exclusion programs. This means you can ask the venue to ban you for a set period.
Seek Professional Help:
Therapists, counselors, and support groups can provide assistance.
Budget:
Set a strict budget for entertainment and do not exceed it. Leave credit and debit cards at home when you go to gamble.
Educate Yourself:
Understand the odds of gambling. Recognizing that the house always has an edge can reduce the allure.
Avoid Triggers:
If certain places or people tempt you to gamble, it’s best to avoid them.
Stay Busy:
Find other hobbies and activities that you enjoy.
Ways to Help Others
If someone you care about has a gambling problem:
Approach with Compassion:
Understand that problem gambling is a disorder. Approach the person without judgment.
Encourage Professional Help:
Suggest seeing a therapist or joining a support group.
Offer Support, Not Money:
It’s important not to enable their gambling by providing them with money.
Educate:
Provide them with information on problem gambling and its consequences.
Set Boundaries:
Make it clear what you are willing and not willing to tolerate.
Stay Informed:
Understand the nature of problem gambling to better support your loved one.