The Dangers and Effects of Gambling
The Dangers and Effects of Gambling
Whether it’s placing a bet on a football match, buying scratchcards or playing online casino games, gambling can provide excitement and a temporary escape from real life problems. But the truth is that it can also be dangerous and harmful to your mental health. The problem is that gambling changes the way you experience pleasure and makes it difficult to find other ways to feel good. It can also increase depression, anxiety or cause mania. So, if you’re struggling with gambling addiction it’s important to get help right away.
Problem gamblers often use it to meet their basic needs – for example, they may find thrill in profiting from a risky game or be socially accepted and praised by others who gamble. However, these feelings are short lived and can come at a high price. They often use the dopamine response produced by winning to reinforce their behaviour and encourage them to continue despite the risks. This is similar to how drug addicts rely on drugs to satisfy their cravings for dopamine.
Gambling can also improve a person’s cognitive abilities. It forces them to make quick decisions based on the information available and they learn to recognise patterns and numbers. It can also be beneficial for a person’s physical health as it helps them exercise their brain. For example, a punter who shoots basketballs into a net can build up a good sense of coordination and muscle control as they practice their shot.
There are some positive effects of gambling but they are often misunderstood. Many people believe that gambling is a low-risk, high reward entertainment choice, but the reality is that the odds always favor the house. Additionally, people can become addicted to the adrenalin rush of risk taking and the potential of hitting it big.
The cost of problem gambling can be incredibly high, both for the individual and their families. Financial problems can build up quickly – bills are not paid, credit cards are maxed out and debts accumulate. People can even turn to criminal activity such as stealing from loved ones or businesses in an attempt to pay off their debts.
It’s important for those struggling with gambling problems to seek help from a doctor or specialist treatment centre. They should also try to reduce their access to money by getting rid of credit cards, limiting online betting accounts, putting a spouse or parent in charge of their finances and making sure they aren’t in gambling environments. It can be very difficult to break free from gambling but it’s possible with the right support. Those who are successful at breaking the habit usually have strong support networks in place, such as family and friends or peer groups like Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous. They are also often helped by a ‘sponsor’, a former gambler who has experienced recovery and can offer guidance and support. Identifying these sources of support and strengthening them is critical for beating addiction.