Gambling involves placing something of value on the outcome of an event that is not controlled by the gambler. It can be done on the internet and in land-based casinos, as well as through a variety of other means. Some people consider gambling to be an addiction and are concerned about its impact on society. Others feel that it is a harmless pastime and provides real social benefits. Regardless of your view, there are steps you can take to reduce your gambling habits and help those affected by problem gambling.
The negative impacts of gambling can be observed at the personal, interpersonal and community/society levels (Fig 1). The impact on a gambler’s own life can include financial difficulties, debt and loss of friends and family members. The impact on others can involve the financial strain caused by the gambler’s gambling, which can lead to a range of problems including homelessness and bankruptcy. The effects of gambling can also be seen in the workplace, where a gambler may miss work or have poor performance due to their gambling habit.
There are also psychological and emotional impacts of gambling. Problem gamblers often experience depression, anxiety and other mental health issues that can be triggered by their gambling behavior. They can also become preoccupied by thoughts of winning or losing, causing them to engage in reckless behaviors and make poor decisions. This can cause them to withdraw from their friends and family and lose interest in activities that they previously enjoyed, such as hobbies or sports.
Those with a gambling problem should seek counseling to understand the problem and think about how it affects their lives. Counseling can also help them find ways to cope with the problem and find healthy alternatives to gambling. If a loved one is struggling with a gambling addiction, family members can try to limit access to credit cards and other sources of money that could fuel their addiction. They can also encourage them to participate in activities that do not involve gambling, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble and practicing relaxation techniques.
Those who are worried about the effects of gambling should consider joining a support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a similar format to Alcoholics Anonymous and can provide invaluable guidance and advice on how to break free from an addiction to gambling. In addition, they should try to strengthen their support network by reaching out to friends and family and finding new interests that do not involve gambling, such as joining a book club or enrolling in an educational class. They can also join a recreational sports team, volunteer for a worthy cause or participate in an online support group.