The negative effects of gambling can destroy the entire family. What starts as fun at the casino, or a night out with the boys becomes a living nightmare. Lies, manipulation, lack of trust – and after it's over -- remorse -- all the promises Never to do it again…..until the next time.
This is similar to all addictions, but with gambling, you can hide it.
You can’t see the gambling in their eyes or smell it on their breath so the problem is often only discovered in a crisis.
Besides losing $$$ here are other negative effects of gambling
For the addict:
How can gambling affect you? Problem gambling can have a detrimental effect on personal finances as the attempt to chase loses become unmanageable. As well as spending wages, savings and spare cash, debts can also be a feature of problem gambling as a result of borrowings and loans to cover gambling loses. Gambling 101: A beginner’s guide to sports betting. Denver snowstorm’s effects on Super Bowl weekend in Las. And fans of football and gambling alike will be hitting the sportsbooks this.
Mental health issues – depression, anxiety, diminished self-esteem, increased alcohol, drugs, suicidal thought and even suicide.
Physical health problems –insomnia, headaches, back or neck pain, stomach upset and numerous other ailments.
Self-care –not eating right, poor sleep habits, personal hygiene etc.
Social issues – arguments, relationship issues, alienation, separation, divorce, physical or mental abuse etc.
Financial problems – job loss, pressure of debt and paying loans and bills, bankruptcy.
Legal problems – theft, fraud, arrests, jail.
School/work problems – absenteeism, decreased productivity, lack of interest.
If you are living with an addict or are related to one, I’m sure you can add to this list.
The addict puts the family in financial crisis. This is a huge burden and the negative effects of gambling can lead to ongoing debt and losing your house.
There's financial pressure as well as emotional pressure:
Lying covering up and making excuses for his/her behavior.
Mental health problems anxiety, depression, anger, resentment, embarrassment, exhaustion and self doubt.
Physical problems insomnia, ulcers, digestive problems, headaches, neck and back pain and other stress-related health problems.
Self-esteem issues feeling of helplessness, insecurity, being overwhelmed and even feeling that they are responsible.
Relationship problems (as if I had to tell you this right?)
Role reversalchildren taking care of parents, parents overprotecting their children, partners performing all of the household tasks that they previously shared, lack of sexual and emotional intimacy.
Side Effects Of Gambling
Verbal and physical abuse this leads to continuous arguments, loneliness, separation and divorce.
Caring for yourself There may be so much focus on the gambler, family members may neglect themselves. I often tell my clients ‘you’re a person too’ and they seem surprised to hear it. There’s never any time for themselves.
Friends and co-workers also pay a price. They are manipulated into lending money. There’s the lying, covering up and making excuses for the gambler’s behavior. They may suffer verbal as well as physical abuse and even financial problems when they're money is not repaid.
Help is available and even recovery. There are help lines that are open for immediate crisis. Gamblers Anonymous provides support and you may even be able to get financial counseling.
There are inexpensive rehabs that specialize in this addiction. These are often funded by the government, “to help” with the problem. But they don’t contribute anywhere close to the amount of funds that they make from this addiction. And then there are specialists such as myself whom you can consult.
Are you in denial or are enabling a gambler?
Are you enabling a gambler. Enabling is not helping
Gambling on line is another addiction and on-line gambling can become a
computer addiction
If you feel desperate, counseling, coaching or a consultation can be a invaluable.
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Go from Negative effects of gambling to Stop being addicted
(Source: Responsible Gambling Council)
Gambling can affect how you feel, no matter how much or how often you do it. Is that true for you or someone you care about? These checklists may help you answer that question.
On this page:
Is my gambling affecting me?
- I celebrate when I win but keep quiet when I lose
- I think about gambling when I’m not doing it
- I sometimes feel guilty after gambling
- I’ve put off doing or buying other things so I can gamble
- I’ve spent more than intended
- I’ve snapped at family members or friends over little things
- I’ve had trouble concentrating at work
- I sometimes feel regret after gambling
- I’ve found it difficult to unwind or sleep
- I’ve been drinking or smoking more than usual
- On a night out, I miss out on other activities because I overspend on gambling
If any of these are true for you, you could be feeling the effects of gambling. While this doesn’t mean you have a problem, it does mean that when you’re feeling stressed or down, gambling could be the reason.
By keeping this in mind, you can be more aware of the effects of gambling and be more mindful of your gambling choices.
Is someone I care about affected by their gambling?
- They only talk about their wins
- They have acted strangely about paying a bill or making a planned purchase
- They’re moody, irritable or angry
- They avoid answering questions about their gambling
- They’ve skipped routine activities
- They seem tired or distracted, for no apparent reason
- They’re drinking or smoking more than usual
If even one of these behaviours is true for someone in your life, they may be feeling the effects of gambling. This doesn’t mean they have a problem but it does mean that when they’re feeling stressed or down, gambling could be the reason.