How Gambling Is Bad For You Physically and Mentally
Gambling is seen as a past time, something fun to do for entertainment. The addiction to gambling is very serious and can result in an extreme downfall in addicted one’s life. There are many ways to see how gambling is bad for you. Not everyone that gambles has an addiction, so it is important to see the difference between the gambling and an addiction to gambling. Gambling becomes a problem when it causes a negative impact on any area of the lifestyle of the person in question, both mentally and physically.
Gambling is not a financial problem. It is an emotional problem that results in financial consequences. Most people assume that the number one problem in gambling is running out of money, but this is a consequence to the addictive behaviors that go along with gambling. The effects of gambling for an addicted gambler are comparable to someone taking a tranquilizer, a drug, or having a drink. The sensation experienced is similar, even though no substance is ingested. Gambling alters the person’s mood and state of mind, triggering the brain to make a correlation between gambling and the sensation of euphoria. Then the addicted gambler is hooked and keeps repeating the behavior, in order to achieve that same effect. Once the feeling of euphoria hits, the addict will go to extreme lengths to achieve that feeling again, including spend all of their money, in hopes of winning big and reclaiming all of their lost profits.
Gambling addiction is harmful to the addict’s psychological and physical health. People dealing with a gambling addiction can suffer from depression, migraines, distress, intestinal disorders, and other anxiety related problems. In severe cases, a gambling addiction can lead to suicide. The rate of gambling addiction has risen globally over the last few years, resulting in various public announcement advertising ways to get help. Lottery companies and casinos are now responsible for labeling warnings about gambling addictions on all of their materials as well.
How does a night of gambling turn into an addiction? There are many factors that can lead to a change in behavior, retirement, traumatic circumstances, or job related stress can all cause gambling addictions. Some people many not look at retirement as a trigger, but when people retire, they have disposable time and in some cases money as well. They use gambling as something to pass the time and before they know it, they are hooked. Here are a few symptoms to gambling addiction.
Do you have a craving for gambling?
Feeling depression?
Feeling remorse after gambling?
Feel the need to bet more money, more frequently?
During escalating losses, you continue to gamble believing you will recuperate losses
Increased financial debt, including using income and savings for gambling, borrowing money, resorting to gambling to meet financial obligations.
Loss of control?
Loss of sleep?
Do you persist in gambling even when growing, severe, negative consequences are in action?
Do you have repetitive unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling?
A rising obsession with gambling?
Do you have stress related problems, like migraines or intestinal disorders?
When attempting to refrain from gambling, do you become restless or irritable?