For many Gambling addicts, it’s almost impossible for them to ask for help because they’re worried about the stigma, the shame and the whole mess being revealed to their families. But this just prolongs the danger and increases the chances of something even more serious occurring. It is not uncommon at all for gambling addicts to commit suicide before they find the courage to ask for help. But it’s always better to ask for help now, rather than pray for no more consequences, as these prayers are rarely answered.
Despite the negative consequences, you’ll continue to gamble whether you’re up or down, broke, or flush, winning or losing, happy or crushed, etc and you’ll keep gambling regardless of the consequences — even when you know that the odds are against you, or you can’t afford to keep losing. If you have a mind that keeps chatting to you about engaging in this activity – gambling, and you find yourself spending more and more time and money on it, chasing losses, or taking risks, despite potentially giving yourself significant consequences in your life, you most likely have a gambling addiction.
For many people, gambling is harmless fun, but it can become a problem. This type of compulsive behaviour is often called “problem gambling.” A gambling addiction is a progressive addiction that can have many negative psychological, physical, and social repercussions. It is classed as an impulse-control disorder. It is included in the American Psychiatric Association (APA’s) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition (DSM-5). Problem gambling is harmful to psychological and physical health. People who live with this addiction may experience depression, migraine, distress, intestinal disorders, and other anxiety-related problems.
As with other addictions, the consequences of gambling can lead to feelings of despondency and helplessness. In some cases, this can lead to attempts at suicide. The rate of problem gambling has risen globally over the last few years. In the United States in 2012, around 5.77 million people had a gambling disorder that needed treatment. Because of its harmful consequences, gambling addiction has become a significant public health concern in many countries.
Source – Medical News Today
Gambling addiction can be referred to as a “hidden illness”. Because there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms like there are in alcoholism or drug addiction, gambling addiction can be hidden easily from family, friends, colleagues, and the greater outside world.
✤ Hiding or Lying about Gambling
✤ Gambling Despite Consequences
✤ Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms When Not Gambling
✤ Dysfunction in Their Daily Lives
✤ You Get Defensive About Gambling
✤ Stealing or Unlawful Behavior
✤ They Express Guilt or Remorse After Gambling
Problematic gamblers quickly learn how to cover up for themselves, or hide the consequences, usually financial, and will deny or minimize their problem, even if only to save face.
Gambling addiction is considered an impulse-control disorder. Once you’ve crossed an invisible point, your gambling becomes obsessive and compulsive – obsessive because it’s a preoccupation in your mind that’s so loud and strong that it stops you from thinking about any else until you give in and engage in some form of gambling just to shut the voices up; – and then compulsive, because once you’ve begun betting or playing, you will be unable to control yourself any more from stopping and you’ll keep going until you’ve exhausted all your resources.
People with gambling disorder often hide their behaviour, but there are warning signs that gambling has become a problem for someone you know. These may include:
✤ Borrowing money regularly
✤ Having multiple loans
✤ Unpaid bills
✤ Lack of food and household essentials
✤ Withdrawing from family or work
✤ Changes in personality or mood
✤ Conflict with others
✤ Feelings of helplessness, depression, or feeling suicidal
✤ Unexplained absences from important events or commitments.
✤ Performance at work is affected, taking more sick days
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