Problem Gambling Overview

Gambling in Canada is the largest entertainment sector in the country. As with all things popular in the community, people struggle to control their actions. In this case, quitting or controlling spending at casinos can be difficult. If you think you have no control over your gambling habits, there is a problem.

Introducing Problem Gambling

Problem gambling arises when a person cannot control the habit of gambling, even if it leads to negative consequences. The issue can affect anyone, no matter the gender, age, or background. Some people become problem gamblers immediately after they start gambling. However, others develop the problem over time.It is essential to remember that everyone suffering from gambling addiction experiences the same symptoms or the same level of intensity.

People start gambling excessively for different reasons:



• Trying to win back the lost money.
• Escaping from stress.
• Chasing the excitement that gambling provides.

The impact of problem gambling goes beyond just losing money. It can negatively affect a person’s life and family. Gambling can become a problem when –

• A person ignores family, work, friends, and studies to gamble.
• Their physical, mental, and emotional health suffers.
• They face financial or legal problems due to their gambling behaviour.

Tips to Recognize Problem Gambling Fast

• Lying about gambling or the amount you spent.
• Chasing losses no matter how big or small.
• Stealing or committing fraud to gamble.
• Borrowing money and thinking about gambling.
• Gambling out of need rather than want.
• Gambling to forget a bad day.
• Gambling because it is more important than anything else.

How to Control Problem Gambling?

• Set goals and make a commitment to those goals.
• Take actions to change your behaviour, beliefs, and thoughts.
• Start repairing your relationships.
• Make plans to overcome hurdles while staying positive.
• Don’t feel ashamed or afraid to ask for help.

What is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction is linked with mental health conditions. It has similarities to different other addictions and impulse-control disorders. In all of these cases, the person with an addiction cannot stop their behavior even after realizing that it is hurting themselves or their loved ones.
It is essential to remember that everyone suffering from gambling addiction experiences the same symptoms or the same level of intensity.

Causes of Gambling Addiction

 

Biological Factors

One of the major causes of problem gambling is biological in nature. Brain scans display that gambling can cause a reaction in the brain similar to what happens when someone addicted to cocaine takes the drug.

 

Psychological Factors

Indirect causes in which an individual thinks about gambling play a role in whether that person develops a problem. Many believe that the Gambler’s fallacy provides a reasonable rationalization for compulsive behaviour. Individuals with gambling addiction usually have distorted thinking. Some of them include gambling habits, minimizing losses, having superstitions, and becoming overly confident about the outcome of future events.

 

Social Factors

Another factor contributing to these behaviours comes from external sources. Stress or challenges in one’s personal or professional life can trigger gambling behaviours, though they are not necessarily the root cause of those compulsions. The sociological environment you are surrounded by can also enhance your risk.

Strategies to Overcome Gambling Addiction

 

Therapy and Counselling

The most effective component of treating a gambling problem is known as psychotherapy. With the help of a trained professional, counselling has gained a success rate in improving problem behaviors. One reason why this approach can be successful is the fact that most individuals with gambling addiction have another psychiatric problem.

 

Medical Treatment

While no medication is designed to treat gambling addiction, some promise to reduce the urge to wager or the feeling of excitement that comes with betting. These include medications, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications.

 

Group Support and Self-Help

Another important resource for those with gambling problems is Gambler’s Anonymous. In conjunction with psychotherapy, GA helps most people recover by allowing them to talk about their challenges and experiences with others who have gone through the same situations.

The Adverse Effects of Gambling

Some of the negative effects of gambling are –

Finances

Constant betting can lead to various money problems. A compulsive gambler can quickly accumulate huge debts, sometimes losing their home or even going bankrupt. They might also get into some legal trouble, as most of them may turn to theft or other illegal activities to earn money for gambling.

Mental Health

One of the biggest negative effects is mental stress. The disorder can hurt relationships and a person’s job. Gambling addiction is usually linked with mental health issues that develop before or after the gambling problem starts. It can also lead to depression or even suicide.

Relationships

A gambling addiction can hurt relationships. Families of problem gamblers usually face child abuse or domestic violence.
Even children who don’t directly suffer can develop problems such as depression or behavioural problems.

Myths vs. Facts of Problem Gambling

Online Casinos	Land-based Casinos
Gambling is a problem if a person gambling cannot afford the originated losses.	Financial troubles are the common ones but those are the serious consequence of gambling addiction. A person suffers from significant problems without experiencing financial hardships.
If someone gambles occasionally, they are not problem gamblers.	Gamblers usually miss the signs of their behaviour becoming compulsive if they only gamble on various occasions, such as during a particular sports season or a trip to a casino. However, if their gambling during these times meets the criteria for compulsive gambling, there is still a problem.
Responsible people don’t have gambling problems.	An addiction can develop in anyone, no matter how responsibly they behave. Gambling can lead anyone to take irresponsible actions, but it does not mean they are irresponsible.
Children and young people don’t get affected by problem gambling; only adults suffer from this.	Children and young people are spending money on gambling. The reason is they can be influenced by the close family members who gamble, affecting their attitude towards gambling.
One way to help your loved ones with a gambling problem is by paying off their debts or helping them with their financial troubles.	It can be difficult for friends and families to understand, but paying off the debts of someone with gambling problems does not help.

Finding Support in Canada

If you gamble too much, getting the needed help is essential. There is a wider community of people recovering from problem gambling, and it can directly relate to how you may be feeling.

You can reach out to these groups – 

Gamblers Anonymous

It is a completely anonymous group found in cities and towns throughout Canada. You can even attend various meetings and listen to or talk with others and give or take advice.

Gam-Anon

It is an international group helping families and loved ones of problem gamblers.

Problem Gambling CA

The Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario provides a free 24-hour helpline to discuss your problem gambling and options for help.

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