Gambling is an activity in which people place a bet or risk money on an uncertain event. Those who are prone to gambling often have mental health problems. They may be desperate for money, they may be seeking social status, or they may have other mood and behavior disorders. The problem is more severe than just a simple addiction.
Problem gamblers have mental health problems
Problem gambling is an addiction that negatively affects an individual’s health, relationships, and finances. It can also lead to legal and cultural issues. In addition, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Fortunately, there are treatment options available. Problem gamblers can seek help through their doctor, a support group, or a therapist. Problem gamblers should never feel guilty for seeking treatment for their problem gambling.
Research has shown that two out of three problem gamblers have some type of mental health problem. Some of these disorders include anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Some of these people also withdraw money from retirement and college savings and take out additional credit cards to continue their gambling habits. Their gambling habits may even cause them to feel hopeless.
They may feel desperate for money
The urge to gamble is a powerful emotion for gamblers. It may lead them to borrow money or sell off things to fund their habit. It can even cause them to feel guilty and isolated from friends and family. In some extreme cases, they may even resort to illegal activities. This can lead to depression, divorce, and suicidal thoughts.
Gamblers can feel hopeless without money to cover their expenses. It is possible to provide financial support to a problem gambler. Some problem gamblers even take advantage of charity to make a few extra dollars. In one case, a distraught father donated $5,000 to his son to help him pay off gambling debts. Instead, the gambler used the money to pay a $400 electric bill and then lost the rest. Unfortunately, this approach to helping a gambler simply makes things worse. Though it is understandable that a gambler may need financial help, the only way to get out of debt is through hard work and responsible choices.
They may seek social status
People who are addicted to gambling often experience a numbing need for money and a euphoric rush from winning. They also often seek social status as a successful gambler and may experience other mood or behavior disorders. While there are no direct findings linking social support to gambling addiction, these results may be indicative of underlying issues.
Despite the high stigma attached to gambling, the research has indicated that some forms of gambling are less stigmatised than others. This is particularly true of lottery players, who may be considered less stigmatized than other types of gamblers.
They may have other mood and behavior disorders
Compulsive gambling and other mental disorders are related, and gambling can lead to other issues as well. Addicts may suffer from mood swings and substance abuse problems, as well as personality disorders. They may also have bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or ADHD. Men tend to be more likely to suffer from these disorders, but women are increasingly affected as well.
Pathological gambling has many direct and indirect consequences, such as worsening the morbidity of anxiety disorders. Pathological gamblers repeatedly seek to recoup losses, which leads to increased worry, fear, and anxiety.
