Gambling disorder, also known as compulsive gambling or gambling addiction, is a behavioral addiction characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble, even when it causes negative consequences or harms the individual’s personal or professional life. People with gambling disorder may experience a range of symptoms, including preoccupation with gambling, increased frequency and amount of bets, restlessness or irritability when attempting to reduce or stop gambling, lying about gambling activities, borrowing money to gamble, and engaging in illegal activities to obtain funds for gambling.
Gambling disorder can have significant negative effects on an individual’s life, including financial problems, relationship issues, and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Treatment options for gambling disorder may include therapy, support groups, and medication, as well as addressing any underlying mental health conditions. It is important to seek help if you or someone you know may have a gambling disorder.
What are the effects of gambling disorder?
Financial problems
People with gambling disorder often lose their jobs, and may also have trouble paying bills on time or at all. They can also become financially dependent on others who support them financially, including relatives and friends. The disorder can lead to bankruptcy, poor credit ratings, and even homelessness for some people with the disorder.
Unmanageable debt
People with gambling disorders often have trouble managing money because they spend more than they earn, gamble it away quickly, or borrow against it to pursue their gambling habit. As a result, they face unmanageable debt that can lead to further financial problems and legal issues if they don’t get help dealing with their addiction problem.
Trouble maintaining relationships
People with gambling disorder may have trouble maintaining and sustaining intimate relationships. This is because they are often preoccupied with their gambling, and their behavior may seem erratic or irresponsible to others. Additionally, people with gambling problems may have a hard time maintaining healthy boundaries with family members and friends.
Economic issues
Gambling disorder victims often have trouble maintaining employment or accumulating wealth over time. They may also spend large amounts of money on gambling or lose it quickly. Failure to maintain employment can make it difficult for people to pay rent or other bills, and they often need help from friends, family members. As a result, gambling disorder victims may become a burden to their families.
Negative health effects
Gambling addiction can be physically and emotionally taxing on the brain. While some people with gambling problems manage to stay healthy enough that this doesn’t cause long-term problems for them such as those who take regular breaks from gambling, others find themselves developing serious diseases such as heart disease.
Social isolation
Gambling addicts often feel socially isolated, which makes it extremely difficult for them to get help. If you’re in a relationship with someone who has a gambling disorder, try not to take it personally if they seclude themselves.
Key Takeaway
It is important to note that gambling disorders can occur in individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and can have significant negative impacts on their personal and professional lives. Treatment is available and can be effective in managing and overcoming gambling disorders.
