Gambling Disorders
Gambling is a huge industry and the stakes are high. People gamble for all sorts of reasons – to feel the adrenaline rush of winning, socialise with friends, relieve boredom or escape from stress and worries. But for some it can become a serious problem. People with gambling problems can become withdrawn, isolated and depressed and in extreme cases may even experience suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know has a problem, getting help as soon as possible is essential. There are many services and organisations that can offer support and treatment for people with gambling disorders.
Traditionally, gambling is any activity where money or something of value is put at risk and there is some element of chance. It includes betting on sporting events, games of skill such as poker or chess and lotteries. However, emerging technology is blurring the boundaries and there are now many ways to gamble, including online and mobile. There is also an increased prevalence of gambling among young people, with some people starting to gamble as early as primary school. This trend is likely to continue as more and more people access the internet and mobile devices.
Most people who gamble do so without any problems and some research suggests that a small proportion of them develop gambling disorder. This is an addictive pattern of behaviour characterised by compulsive, uncontrollable and excessive gambling-related activity. Symptoms can include a decrease in the ability to control one’s gambling and other problematic behaviours such as substance misuse. The condition can be difficult to diagnose and it can be hidden from others.
It is thought that about 1 in 100 people have a gambling disorder but the exact number is unknown as not everyone who has a problem seeks treatment. There is a growing role for healthcare professionals to assess patients for gambling-related problems in addition to alcohol and drug use, as the disorder is an important public health issue and people with the disorder can be at risk of other mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and bipolar.
There is a significant overlap between gambling and other addictions such as drug or alcohol abuse, and a lot of the same treatment approaches apply. In fact, some of the same brain chemistry is affected by these substances as it is by gambling and this can lead to a similar cycle of highs and lows, with feelings of euphoria when winning and depression and sadness when losing. The good news is that this can be reversed by seeking the right treatment and getting the right support.
A sign that gambling is becoming a problem is when it starts to impact your life outside of work and family commitments. This can be when you lie to your loved ones, spend more than you can afford to lose and experience stress or anxiety when unable to gamble. It is also important to talk about your concerns with someone who won’t judge you, and try to reduce the risk factors of gambling such as using credit cards and taking out loans.
