Although gambling can be a novelty and social experience, it should be regarded as only one form of entertainment. When the person’s involvement grows, gambling may become a serious problem. Gambling can lead to financial ruin, destroyed relationships, and destroyed careers. However, gambling can also be controlled if a person understands the reasons behind his or her behaviour. For this reason, there are many organisations that offer support and counselling to help people overcome their gambling addiction.
Problem gambling is a mental disorder
People with problem gambling may have many reasons why they start and continue to gamble. This disorder often runs in families, and trauma and social inequality can play a role. Gambling symptoms may develop during adolescence, but they can also develop later in life. Men tend to start gambling earlier than women, but the condition may start later in life for a variety of reasons. Treatment for problem gambling consists of a variety of therapies, including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and group and family therapy.
It can lead to financial ruin
Many people don’t realize how quickly gambling can cost them their money. This habit can destroy relationships and lives. But while problem gamblers may not anticipate going into debt, it is inevitable. Problem gamblers often borrow from credit cards, savings accounts, investment portfolios, retirement funds, and even family members to fund their addiction. But they have no idea how quickly these loans can add up, and their gambling habit may be causing them to end up in financial ruin.
It can destroy relationships
Many people who have a problem with gambling have no idea that it can damage their personal relationships and ruin their finances. They may bet on their favorite sports teams or the outcome of a Texas Hold’em hand. They may even bet on the roll of the dice at a casino or spin the wheel of a roulette wheel. Whether a person is losing money, losing control of their emotions, or simply spending money without thinking about it, gambling can destroy a relationship. However, even if gambling is not a serious problem, it can have devastating effects on the people who love them, including their spouses.
It can destroy careers
Many high-profile figures have battled gambling addictions. Research papers suggest a connection between retired athletes and pathological gambling. The lack of competition often triggers increased gambling impulses, which make them more difficult to control. Below, we present a list of famous athletes who battled addictions and found success in the professional world. Some of them may be surprising to you. We also share the reasons why gambling addiction is such a problem in the workplace.
It can destroy lives
Despite its popularity as a form of entertainment, gambling can destroy lives. A recent report by the House of Lords Gambling Industry Committee found that a third of the UK’s population is suffering from a gambling addiction, and 55,000 of those are children. Researchers in the UK have also found that problem gamblers are more likely to suffer from drug, alcohol, and mental health problems than those without gambling issues. According to the British Medical Journal, problem gamblers have a higher risk of committing suicide than those without addictions.