Montell Senior 
Gambling can be an enjoyable activity, but it can become out of control and cause harm. This could include issues with finances, relationships and mental health.
Problem gambling is a mental health condition that can strike anyone at any age and in any setting. It may manifest suddenly or over time, depending on the individual.
Risks
Gambling can have detrimental effects on people’s mental health. It may cause anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts as well as physical effects.
Gambling can become an addiction, leading to broken relationships and separation from loved ones.
Feelings of shame and guilt may ensue, making it difficult for a person to stop gambling. In extreme cases, this could even result in them losing all their money and going into debt.
Gamblers tend to have other mental health disorders alongside their gambling issues, such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, these individuals have an increased risk of suicide compared to those without such issues, plus financial struggles, relationship distress, and difficulty at work or school.
Symptoms
Gambling can lead to a range of mental health symptoms. These may include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and stress.
Some people experience gambling issues suddenly, while others may have it for years without ever realizing it. Unfortunately, the exact causes of these problems remain elusive.
Symptoms of substance abuse disorders such as alcoholism or drug addiction vary from person to person, but most share characteristics with those seen with other addictive disorders.
For some, gambling becomes a form of escape from life’s stresses and strains. It may also serve to provide excitement or relieve anxiety.
People with gambling problems often also struggle with other mental health issues like substance abuse or personality disorders. Therefore, treatment for their gambling problem should not be overlooked in addition to other underlying mental health problems that require attention.
Treatment
Gambling is a treatable mental health disorder that can be managed with therapy, counseling and medication. Common treatments for gambling include behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy.
A gambling counselor can assist you in altering your beliefs about betting and learning how to resist temptations. This could result in beneficial changes to both mental health and relationships.
Support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon can offer motivation and advice, following the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous. These 12-step programs offer you a community of peers who have successfully overcome gambling addiction.
If you are struggling with an addictive gambling problem, it’s essential to seek professional treatment as soon as possible. This will enable you to identify any underlying emotional and mental health issues contributing to your issue and address them with a therapist. Counseling may also assist in dealing with financial or relationship troubles which could be motivating you to gamble.
Prevention
Gambling can be a fun and harmless diversion, but it also has the potential to become an addictive habit that causes severe harm to people’s health and relationships. Problem gambling is an illness that affects roughly 1 out of every 5 adults worldwide and leads to serious financial, emotional, social, and occupational repercussions.
It’s often referred to as the “hidden addiction,” due to its absence of physical symptoms. Unfortunately, it often coexists with other mental health and substance use disorders.
In addition to environmental factors that increase the likelihood of developing gambling disorder, it is essential to take into account the stigma attached to this condition. This can be determined by beliefs about its danger, whether individuals feel they deserve blame for their addictions and whether they possess character flaws that contribute to its development.
