Gambling is a popular pastime for many people and offers several benefits including a sense of fun, relaxation, social interaction and the ability to make money. However, gambling also has many negative impacts and it is important to recognise the harm it can cause. If you know someone who is gambling excessively, it may be time to talk to them about it. But be careful how you approach the subject as some people might react negatively if approached in an aggressive or judgmental manner. The best way to approach the subject is to talk openly and honestly with them in a supportive and concerned manner. If you are unsure how to start the conversation, you can contact one of the organisations that offer support and assistance to gamblers or their families.
Many people who engage in gambling do so to self-soothe unpleasant feelings such as boredom, loneliness or stress and/or to escape from daily responsibilities or life events such as financial problems, work, family, depression, grieving, or simply not wanting to think about their problems. It is not surprising that they then find it hard to stop and may even relapse into gambling again. In addition, some individuals are predisposed to gambling as they are highly competitive and enjoy the adrenalin rush that is associated with winning.
While gambling can provide real wealth to those who participate, it can have many costs to society, some of which are not easily quantifiable such as increased personal debt and the effect on a gambler’s family life. Others include decreased work productivity and increased risk of gambling addiction. In addition, gambling can lead to other health issues such as poor nutrition and a lack of exercise.
Some of the negative effects of gambling can be seen at a personal level such as escalating debt, loss of employment and homelessness. The impact on the individual can extend to their family and community as well, for example by increasing the risk of violence against spouses and children and affecting their work performance.
It is important to remember that gambling is a form of entertainment, not a source of happiness. It is important to find other ways of having fun, such as engaging in hobbies that are not connected with gambling, spending time with friends who don’t gamble and trying new activities that are enjoyable. For some people this might take a long time but it is important to remember that it is a process and if you are patient you can help them to overcome their addiction. By taking it a day at a time and staying strong, you can gradually reduce your urges to gamble. It is also useful to practice healthy coping mechanisms such as exercising, practicing relaxation techniques and finding other ways of relieving unpleasant feelings. Eventually you will find that you can stop gambling for good.