Gambling is an activity in which participants bet on the outcome of an event that has an element of chance, with significant risks involved and can become addictive. While it can be done both socially and financially, it’s essential that individuals understand all associated risks to gambling in order to stay clear from becoming hooked on it.
Gambling is generally done to win money; whether this be done for fun, escape boredom, or stress relief. But gambling’s euphoric anticipation and devasting devastation of losing can alter brain chemistry in ways that cause depression and anxiety; therefore it is essential that healthier ways are found of relieving unpleasant emotions such as exercising regularly, spending time with non-gambler friends, or practicing relaxation techniques in order to manage unpleasant feelings more effectively.
Dependency on gambling can quickly wreak havoc with one’s finances and life, leaving them unable to work, pay bills or meet commitments as a result of being addicted; relationships may suffer as they grow angry with loved ones and grow distant; it is therefore vital that someone seeking assistance for gambling addiction seek assistance as soon as possible as the consequences could be fatal.
People of any age may develop gambling issues. Men tend to be particularly susceptible to this condition, though anyone exhibiting impulsivity or poor coping skills could become susceptible. Children as young as seven have been drawn into video games that require microtransactions and payments – even those feeling lonely or bored can develop an addiction due to this form of entertainment; those suffering from depression or anxiety are especially at risk for gambling addictions.
Even though some gamblers enjoy their hobby without any adverse repercussions, most are at risk of becoming addicted. There are multiple indicators that someone is at risk, including lying to family and friends, hiding money from family and missing events; all signs that indicate serious problems which should be dealt with immediately.
People struggling with gambling addiction often suffer from depression and anxiety, worsening their symptoms. Furthermore, these individuals can often lack motivation to do other activities, while having suicidal thoughts or feelings and even having suicidal tendencies which could potentially lead them to suicide in extreme cases. Support groups and treatments exist for those dealing with an addiction issue in regards to gambling.
Gambling can have many ill-effects on society, both good and bad. These impacts are felt across multiple levels: personal, interpersonal and community/society – the costs can be both visible and invisible, the latter usually non-monetary in nature; debt, financial strain and subsequent bankruptcy/homelessness being visible while social impacts include cost to family members for seeking treatment for gambling addiction; while community/society impact include public health costs arising as a result of gambling addiction.