Due to the advancement of internet technology, gambling is now even more popular than it was decades ago. But there are also millions of people addicted to gambling around the world. While it can be hard to control this addiction, it can and should be helped. When a person begins to struggle with addiction, it might negatively influence their life and relationships.
Effects of gambling addiction
Gambling addiction starts when betting and gambling activity causes financial stress, interferes with daily activities, or has a detrimental influence on relationships. People that are addicted frequently have an overwhelming drive to gamble despite any bad consequences it can have on their lives.
When a gambling addiction takes hold, the individual who is unable to quit may continue to bet in an effort to experience the rush of a huge victory, even if doing so results in ongoing loss, lying, cheating, or even stealing. Although an addicted individual may undergo a personality change, it is feasible for someone to conceal their gambling addiction while continuing to work and engage in normal daily activities, all the while unintended effects of their addiction on their life start to accumulate.
How to fight gambling addiction
People addicted to gambling can receive specialised therapy through treatment for co-occurring disorders. When a person has more than one condition, such as gambling and anxiety or gambling and depression, it is known as a co-occurring disorder.
US citizens have multiple options and ways of treating this disorder. You should consult your doctor or a mental health expert to find out the best way to help you.
There are programs for residential or inpatient treatment and rehabilitation. These are intended for people who have a serious gambling addiction and are unable to stop gambling without 24-hour help.
Treatment for underlying issues that are causing you to gamble compulsively, such as drug misuse or mental health issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, or ADHD. This could involve counseling, medicine, and lifestyle change.
Gambling addiction in the US
According to the North American Foundation for Gambling Addiction Help, 2.6% of Americans struggle with a gambling addiction. That comes up to about 10 million people who battle with a gambling habit in the country. This problem affects the economy and people of the United States annually to the tune of about $6 billion.
American taxpayers bear the cost of gambling. The amount of public support for problem gambling increased to $73 million in 2016, yet despite these expenditures, each state continues to regulate gaming independently. There is no publicly supported gambling help available in ten states. Because of these financing differences, public treatment programs’ levels of care and availability might differ significantly from one state to the next. There are organisations and sites like igamingmi.com that educate their readers on the importance of responsible gaming.
Bottom line
Since gambling addiction progresses rapidly, it’s critical to get help as soon as you can. Do not allow secrecy, shame, or humiliation to prevent you from improving your life and joining the hundreds of thousands of other individuals who have already done so. The sole requirement for improvement is a readiness to accept assistance from others. We hope that this information compiled by our editor, Arsenii, will help you if you are currently struggling with this addiction.
If you want to find help in your state, visit the National Council on Problem Gaming website
Please play responsibly. For more information and advice visit https://www.begambleaware.org
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