Gambling is more than just a form of entertainment, it can be a serious problem that can affect your family’s financial security, mental and physical health. Often gambling addiction is accompanied by other co-occurring disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder which can lead to more serious complications.
It is important to recognise the signs of a problem in order to take action. Gambling addiction can lead to a variety of consequences including family breakdown, financial distress, homelessness and even suicide. Fortunately there are many ways to seek help for someone who is struggling with gambling addiction, including seeking counselling and taking medication.
You can also try to support them by setting boundaries with their spending, avoiding paying off gambling debts and making sure they review their bank and credit card statements. This can be an effective way to help them regain control of their finances and stop them from spending money they do not have.
A person with a gambling addiction may find it difficult to acknowledge that they have a problem. They may lie to friends and family members, hide their gambling from employers and even steal things to fund their gambling habit. However, if you can express your concerns about their behaviour to them in an honest and open way it may be enough to encourage them to get help.
It is not your responsibility to fix the problem for a friend or family member but you can help by encouraging them to see a gambling counsellor and taking financial and legal advice if needed. If you are unable to reach an agreement with them on how to deal with the issue, you could consider ending the relationship.
While it is important to talk openly with your loved ones about your concerns, be prepared for them to become angry and defensive. Try to remain calm and empathetic so that they know you are worried about them and want to help.
It is also important to remember that it can be difficult for people with gambling problems to see the negative effects on others. They may argue that their problem is not as serious as other people who have substance use disorders or mental illness. In addition, they may feel that their behaviour is not as bad as other forms of gambling such as sports betting and online gaming. This can lead to a false sense of self-worth, which in turn can lead to more harmful behaviour. A person with a gambling problem can also be at risk of being taken advantage of by people who profit from their addiction and are not regulated. This can include shady gambling websites and unlicensed bookmakers who offer low returns. The best way to avoid this is to gamble responsibly and keep track of your wins and losses. You should also make a conscious decision to take each day as it comes, rather than focusing on the future or trying to win back lost money.