While many people gamble, and most do so without any problems, a small number develop a gambling disorder. The disorder can cause serious problems for individuals, families, and society. It can affect physical health, work and school performance, relationships, and even lead to homelessness.
It is important to recognize signs of a problem in order to seek help and support. In addition, it is important for loved ones to support their struggling family member in finding recovery. This can be done through support groups that specifically cater to the needs of those with gambling addictions and/or co-occurring mental health disorders. Additionally, individuals can find support through individual therapy or a substance abuse recovery program.
The most obvious sign of a gambling disorder is the loss of money or financial harm. Gambling disorders also negatively affect relationships, job performance and mental health. They may also increase the risk of suicide, which is the leading cause of death in people with gambling disorders.
There are other types of gambling harms that are not as easily quantifiable, such as social or community impacts. In the past, studies focused mainly on economic costs and benefits and ignored these other effects. However, recent studies have sought to incorporate social impacts into their analyses. However, these studies are still limited because of the methodological challenges associated with defining and measuring them.
Some side effects of gambling include stress, regret and a feeling of being unlucky. These feelings can impact the mental health of a person and can also trigger depression or anxiety, particularly in those with co-occurring disorders. Additionally, gambling can cause people to feel irritable or short-tempered.
Gambling can also bring people together and provide a form of entertainment. This can be beneficial for some individuals because it can relieve boredom, loneliness and stress. However, it is important to remember that gambling is not a cure for these emotions and should only be used as a temporary escape.
In addition, gambling can also contribute to a person’s social isolation. It can cause them to withdraw from friends and family, especially if they are unable to control their spending or gambling behavior. It can also cause them to avoid spending time with their children, which can affect their parenting abilities.
Finally, gambling can also affect a person’s ability to maintain employment or study. If a person misses classes or is late to work due to gambling, it can affect their performance and can also lead to unemployment. It is important for people with gambling disorders to learn how to cope with unpleasant emotions in healthier ways. This can be done through exercise, spending time with friends who do not gamble and practicing relaxation techniques.
As a parent, family member or friend of someone with a gambling addiction, it is important to take care of yourself. This can be achieved by seeking out support for yourself through a support group for families of those with gambling addictions and/or mental health issues or by engaging in individual therapy.