Gambling is a form of entertainment where people wager something of value on an event with a random outcome. It is a common activity worldwide and contributes to the economic stability of countries. However, gambling has a dark side that can have detrimental effects on an individual’s health. It can damage relationships, affect performance at work or study and cause financial strain. Additionally, gambling can trigger feelings of anger, fear and shame. In some cases, problem gambling can lead to homelessness and suicide. Special populations like adolescents, veterans and Latino and Asian communities are more likely to develop problem gambling.
People who are addicted to gambling are often secretive about their habits and lie to their family members. They may also spend their money impulsively, often spending more than they can afford to win back. Those closest to them can suffer from a range of impacts, including conflicts in relationship, financial stress and feelings of anger or guilt. This is why it’s important to talk about gambling as a health issue. Framing it in this way reduces resistance and makes it clear that help is available.
The negative impacts of gambling can be difficult to quantify and are often underestimated. Traditionally, research into gambling has focused on its costs and benefits from an individual level. However, this only accounts for monetary cost and neglects the invisible, psychological harms of gambling. The social impact of gambling can be examined from a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) framework, similar to that used for alcohol and drug abuse. The CBA model defines the monetary value of an individual’s well-being changes and attempts to determine if increases in gambling opportunities are positive or harmful for society.
While the risks of gambling are real, it’s important to remember that not everyone gambles for money. Some people gamble for a variety of reasons – for a thrill, for social interaction or to forget their worries. This doesn’t excuse them for their addiction, but it can help you understand why they keep doing what they’re doing.
If you’re worried that your loved one has a gambling problem, it’s important to seek help and support. There are a number of ways you can get help, including self-help groups such as GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous. These organisations can provide advice, support and encouragement. It’s also important to strengthen your support network by reaching out to friends and family, joining a sports team or book club or volunteering. This will help you find new, healthier pastimes to replace your gambling habit with. You can also seek professional help from a psychologist or psychiatrist, which is usually recommended for severe addictions. They can help you identify the causes of your problem, provide advice on managing your gambling, and teach you coping skills to cope with cravings. They can also prescribe medications to manage symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Alternatively, they can refer you to a specialist gambling clinic. This type of clinic will diagnose and treat your addiction and may include counselling or group therapy.
