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Gambling addiction – how to get help and what are the signs and symptoms to look out for?

Gambling can shift very easily from low-risk recreational hobby to serious addiction within a short time

GAMBLING is one of the most insidious of vices, in which the lure of easy money soon turns to financial ruin.

It is not always obvious when someone has a gambling addiction. Here are the signs took look out for.

 Addiction to gambling can cause depression, anxiety and self-harming tendencies
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 Addiction to gambling can cause depression, anxiety and self-harming tendenciesCredit: Getty - Contributor

What is gambling addiction?

While the odd flutter can often be fun and exciting, gambling can shift very easily from low-risk recreational hobby to serious addiction within a short time.

Gambling becomes an addiction when it is something you or a loved one cannot control and when it begins to affect a person’s financial, familial, social, recreational, educational, or occupational functioning.

Gambling addiction, much like some forms of substance addiction, is associated with a release of dopamine in the brain as much as 10 times more than what is normal.

Dopamine has been referred to as the “feel good” neurotransmitter, and this special signalling chemical is active throughout the reward centres of the brain.

So the release of dopamine tells your brain, “This feels good! I want more!”

It is because of this that what begins as a harmless good feeling can turn into a compulsive need in some people.

This can lead to gambling dependence in which a person must gamble just to feel good or even to feel normal.

 Losing everything to gambling is devastating and leaves many people feeling completely hopeless
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Losing everything to gambling is devastating and leaves many people feeling completely hopelessCredit: Getty - Contributor

What are the signs of gambling addiction?

The signs of a gambling problem are often the same as the signs of other addictions. Common signs of addiction include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Feeling the need to be secretive about gambling
  • Having trouble controlling gambling habits
  • Gambling when you cannot afford to
  • Your friends and family express concern about your gambling

As with any other addiction, the hallmark sign of a gambling problem is that you feel you cannot stop.

If you feel like you need to try just one more time, or if you feel anxious when you think about quitting, it is highly likely you are suffering from a gambling addiction.

Excessive gambling often causes a multitude of emotional symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

In extreme situations, these thoughts may lead a gambler to actually making an attempt to end their life.

 Gambling can shift quickly from low-risk recreational hobby to serious addiction
3
Gambling can shift quickly from low-risk recreational hobby to serious addictionCredit: Getty - Contributor

Losing everything to gambling is devastating and leaves many people feeling completely hopeless.

Because gambling can cause depression, anxiety and self-harming tendencies, there are also several physical signs to look out for.

Depression and anxiety sometimes can lead to sleep deprivation, which may result in pale skin, weight gain or weight loss, acne and dark circles under the eyes.

What help is available?

There's evidence that gambling can be successfully treated in the same way as other addictions.

usually has the best results.

There are a number of treatment and support groups available for people who want to stop gambling:

  • offers free information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK. It runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and also offers face-to-face counselling.
  • If you live in England or Wales, are aged 16 or over and have complex problems related to gambling, you can refer yourself to the NHS’ for problem gamblers.
  • The offers residential courses for men and women who have problems with gambling – email [email protected] or call 01384 241292 to find out more. It also runs the website, which offers online support to problem gamblers and their friends and family.
  • runs local support groups that use the same 12-step approach to recovery from addiction as Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also support groups for friends and family.
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