Gambling is a popular pastime for many people and it can be fun and exciting. However, for some people it can be a dangerous and addictive habit. Problem gambling can cause harm to individuals and their families, work and social life. It can also affect their mental health and lead to a high risk of suicide. Luckily, there are ways to help a person with a gambling addiction and there is support available.
There are a number of good reasons to gamble, including the adrenaline rush of winning money, socialising with friends or family and escape from worries or stress. It can be a safe and enjoyable activity when used responsibly. But, for some people gambling can become out of control and have serious consequences, leading to debt and even homelessness. This is known as problem gambling and it can be very hard to stop.
Research on the impacts of gambling has been undertaken at various levels, including individual, interpersonal and community/societal. The most common approach is to calculate benefits and costs on the basis of monetary values, but this neglects the effects that can have significant non-monetary value. For example, it is important to consider the impact of gambling on family relationships and the social fabric of communities, but these impacts are often ignored as they are difficult to measure.
The most well-known effect of gambling is that it can result in addiction and other mental health problems. The risk of developing a gambling problem increases if the person is already suffering from a mental illness, such as depression or anxiety. This is because these conditions make it harder to control their urges and they are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour, such as gambling.
Those who have an addiction to gambling can experience a range of symptoms and problems, such as a lack of motivation, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and feelings of hopelessness. They may also have difficulty sleeping and find it difficult to concentrate at work. They are at a greater risk of committing criminal acts, such as theft or embezzlement to fund their gambling.
The majority of people who gamble do so responsibly, but for some, it can become an out of control habit causing damage to their lives and those of their families and friends. It is essential that people are aware of the risks and take steps to reduce them. This can include not using credit cards or taking out loans to fund your gambling and only betting with money you can afford to lose. It is also a good idea to talk about your gambling with someone who will not judge you, such as a friend or counsellor and try to avoid using gambling venues to socialise or as an escape. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
