Gambling is one of the most popular leisure activities in the world today. Many people resort to gambling during their spare time for entertainment and to earn some cool money.
Gambling may be an age-old activity, but its scope has changed drastically. People had to visit land-based casinos or tracks to place bets in the past. But casino games are easily more accessible in today's setting thanks to the advent of virtual casinos. Casino lovers can play online casino games via a mobile device any time they want.
This new trend has encouraged people to gamble more frequently, and experts are starting to worry about a gambling addiction epidemic. As of November 2020, about 10 million Americans (2.6% of the country's population) are addicted to gambling, according to the North American Foundation for Gambling Addiction (NAFGA).
The truth is that gambling won’t always lead to a problem. In most cases, gambling is, in fact, legal and unproblematic. However, some people develop an addiction over time, and problem gamblers tend to suffer dire consequences. And with the increasing number of online casinos, there's every reason to be concerned.
An individual has a gambling addiction when they are obsessive about gambling in an unhealthy way. Yes, you read that right. Gambling can go from being a fun activity to an addiction.
Gambling addiction isn’t exclusive to a distinct group of people; it can happen to anyone irrespective of gender, age, race, or nationality. People also develop a gambling addiction regardless of whether they bet on sports, blackjack, slots, roulette or poker.
A gambling problem can affect your relationships, work ethic, and finances. Some behavioural or mood changes are linked to compulsive gambling. Many addicts suffer from ADHD, insomnia, depression, stress, anxiety, substance abuse, and bipolar conditions.
Gambling addiction or pathological/compulsive gambling is an impulse control disorder. A gambling addict can’t control the desire to gamble, even when there are consequences for doing so. Pathological gamblers will engage in gambling activities when the desire pops up in any given situation, whether or not it’s favorable.
But gambling addiction isn’t limited to an inability to control impulses. You can be addicted to gambling without being completely out of control. When you often spend more time and money gambling at the expense of other important activities, you are likely addicted.
Gambling addiction may seem impossible to control, but this isn’t true. Problem gamblers can overcome their addiction by seeking medical help. Psychotherapy and medication are two known ways to treat gambling addiction. Adjusting certain patterns of behaviour or lifestyle also works. Other measures include joining a support group or having someone in your circle who can help you resist any urge that shows up.
Note: On your road to overcoming addiction, it is good you avoid people or activities that can trigger the desire to gamble.
Are you dealing with a gambling addiction? Don't guilt trip. Seek help immediately.
