Problem Gambling: Signs, Prevention & Help

Problem Gambling: Signs, Prevention & Help

In the United Kingdom, a vast number of people like gambling online, but they only gamble in moderation. But for other people, gambling may become an addiction that impacts not just their own life but also the lives of their friends and family.

Admitting that you have a problem is the first step towards receiving help, as it is for all addictions. Because it requires a great deal of introspection, this can also frequently be the most difficult step. You can find several indicators to watch out for if you believe your gambling is turning into a problem on this page. Details on the various organizations that can assist you will be provided if you can relate to any of the points. Keep your gambling from becoming an issue. Seek assistance right now.

Gambling is an issue that affects everyone

Problem gambling, also known as compulsive gambling, gambling addiction, or ludomania, affects an increasing number of people annually and can impact individuals of any age, gender, or nationality. It's critical to identify the warning symptoms of problem gambling before they significantly affect you and your loved ones, regardless of how severe the addiction is—from a minor addiction that takes up all of your free time to gamblers whose problem interferes with their ability to work.

If left untreated, problem gambling frequently leads to a variety of other related psychological problems, including severe anxiety, depression, and other similar side effects that may lead to relationship problems, job loss, poor decision-making when handling the compulsion's effects, and more. It's critical to seek treatment as soon as possible if you suspect that you or a loved one may be struggling with gambling, before it begins to negatively affect your life.

How to Recognize a Problem with Gambling

Gambling problems can take many various forms, and each one has the potential to be just as dangerous. Early detection is the key to successfully battling gambling addiction. Treatment will be more challenging the longer you put off getting help. Therefore, it might be worthwhile to get professional assistance as soon as possible, even if you only discover that you relate to one of the following issues.

The following list includes several indicators of compulsive gambling.

! Thinking about gambling all the time - being distracted by gambling-related ideas wherever you are.

! Pursuing losses - pursuing losses as a manifestation of an inability to accept losses as a necessary part of the journey.

! Stealing or borrowing money - taking out loans or even stealing money to pay off debts related to gaming or to gamble more.

! Using high-stakes wagers to chase excitement - you should never let your gambling habits interfere with your ability to cover your daily living expenditures.

! Not making your bill payments - As previously said, you should only wager money that you are willing to lose. Therefore, before you bet, you should pay off all of your debts and other financial commitments. You need to get treatment right away if you are using money that you need to pay your bills for gaming.

! Relationship problems - It is never appropriate to forgo spending time with loved ones in favor of gambling at a casino.

! Feelings of anxiety, sadness, and guilt - problem gamblers are more likely to experience psychological problems and to feel hopeless and powerless.

! Withdrawal symptoms when you're not gambling - When not gaming, problem gamblers often display withdrawal symptoms including anxiety and anger, much like anyone else with an addiction.

! Able to continue gambling despite your desire to stop - The most obvious indication is that you most likely have an addiction if you have acknowledged that your gambling is becoming problematic but have not stopped.

Admitting you have a gambling issue is not a sign of weakness. You just need some expert assistance, like many others.

Naturally, the list above is not all-inclusive, and there are other indicators of gambling addiction that you may exhibit. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you should consult a professional, such as your physician, a mental health specialist, or a gambling addiction charity, if you suspect that you may have a gambling addiction. Further down this page, you can find more information about how to receive assistance for gambling problems.

Individuals Who Are Most at Risk for Problem Gambling

Although everyone can become a victim of problem gambling, some people are more vulnerable than others. We've mentioned a few of the several causes of this below. But keep in mind that anyone can develop a gambling addiction, therefore all gamblers need to be on guard at all times. Don't assume that you can't get hooked to gambling because you don't meet any of the descriptions below.

The following demographic groups are more likely to have gambling problems:

• Men. Although the gap is narrowing, men are more likely than women to develop a gambling addiction. This is a result of the growing number of female internet gamblers. Although they begin gambling earlier in life, men typically take longer to develop an online gambling addiction.
• Younger individuals. A person's risk of being addicted to gambling increases with age. The danger of becoming addicted is highest for those who begin gambling while they are teenagers. Problems might still arise for those who begin gambling later in life.
• Suffering of mental illness. Addiction is more prone to develop in people who have mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, and ADHD are just a few of the issues that can contribute to addiction in different ways. Additionally, problem gambling can exacerbate these issues, which makes gambling addiction much more challenging.

Avoidance

There are several steps one can take when gaming to reduce the likelihood of forming unhealthy gambling habits, even if there is no foolproof method to stop the emergence of a gambling issue.

• Control your gaming time to avoid interfering with other pursuits, like spending time with your family.
•  Create a budget and follow it; by carefully controlling your bankroll, you can avoid being able to spend more than you can afford.
•  Recognize that gambling is a pastime and not a steady source of revenue.
•  If you are experiencing anxiety or depression, avoid gambling.
•  Consult a trusted person if you think you might be developing a gambling issue.

How to Seek Assistance

Although it might be very upsetting to realize you have a gambling issue, there is support available. In the UK, there are a ton of amazing organizations that offer free support to people who are addicted to gambling.

Among the resources are:

•  Gamblers Anonymous - a support group that hosts gatherings across the nation. Attendees of GA meetings will be able to talk to others who are experiencing similar issues and learn how to resist the temptation to gamble. The majority of individuals attend at least one GA meeting each week, and attendance is free.
•  Gamcare - GamCare is the UK's official organization for gambling problems and a key national source of information, guidance, support, and free counselling.
•  GambleAware - GambleAware, which is committed to encouraging responsible and healthful gambling, gives players important information on how to identify problem gambling and where to get support.
•  Your family doctor - Even while they can't offer you immediate assistance, talking to someone you trust about your wellness will enable you to get more help for your gambling problem.

Helping Someone with a Gambling Addiction

The first and most crucial thing to keep in mind is that you should always prioritize your own health and well-being, even if a friend or family member suffers from a gambling addiction. You cannot assist them if you are ill, and you will also be unable to fulfill your other responsibilities at work or at home. In order to completely grasp how to keep healthy while also coping with someone's gambling problems, it could be a good idea to give one of the gambling charities a call and ask them about support.

The second is that if the addict relapses, don't hold them accountable. It's critical to keep in mind that they have a medical condition and that a relapse is probably inevitable. Encourage them and assist them in getting back on track rather than becoming upset. You can assist them, but you can't make them quit gambling, so don't blame yourself either.

Lastly, don't attempt to solve the issue by yourself. A problem shared is, after all, a problem halved! Collaborate on the project with friends, family, and experts. Having several people to chat to would probably aid the person with the gambling addiction as well, in addition to lowering your tension and anxiety levels.