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Gambling Addiction
According to the oxford dictionary, gambling is an activity characterized by a balance between winning and losing that is governed by a mixture of skill and chance, usually with money wagered on the outcome. Gambling means that one is willing to risk something of value to them in the hope of getting something of even greater value. Gambling can affect the brain system just like drugs and alcohol, leading to addiction. If a person is prone to occasional gambling, they may continually place bets, hide their behavior, deplete savings, get involved in huge debts, or even result to theft or fraud to support their gambling addiction. (Davis 89).
Gambling has evolved from Casinos where one had to physically go to the gambling places. Nowadays, one can place a bet in the comfort of their houses. Internet gambling including the use of mobile phones has become very popular today. Internet gambling is the fastest growing mode of gambling and is changing the way that gamblers engage with this activity. The online global gambling market was valued at €6.1 billion in 2013, with expected annual growth of 10.1 % in 2018 (Global Gaming Report 45). Internet gambling has become the most addictive type of gambling since everyone has access to internet and can easily afford a smartphone. Every time a person feels the urge to gamble, they can access the phone anytime of the day, hence the addiction is not easy to control.
Addiction to gambling is not much different with drug or alcohol addiction, it belongs to the type of mental illness called impulse control disorder (Ismail and Hamid 67). Addicted gamblers usually have the following characteristics; always increasing the amount of betting to win money; regularly failed to stop or reduce their yearning for gambling; case of consistent losing, gamblers experience excessive rates of adverse consequences that have tangible economic costs. Further consequences experienced by these gamblers that are quite real, for instance, broken relationships and families. Another dimension of gambling consequences is that their impact is usually spread across an entire community. While the effects begin with the gambler, they spread over to the household, other family members, friends, employers, creditors, and the community at large (Gerstein 22).
Gambling addiction becomes out of control with time when the individual involved is compelled to keep playing if they have lost a lot in order to recover their money or if they have won severally, they want to win even more which becomes increasingly destructive with time. The excitement that comes with winning also can be addictive and the person involved with gambling cannot quench the thirst of participating in the activity. Mostly what keeps the gambler to continually be completely preoccupied with gambling and getting money to gamble is the believe that they will win big and better their situation. This eventually leads to depression, low self-esteem suicidal thoughts.
Gambling addiction can be controlled by reaching out for help from close family members, close friends, or seeing a therapist. Also, distracting oneself with another activity, such as cleaning the house, going to the gym, or watching a movie. Postponing gambling can also help a person to gradually quit from gambling. As you wait, the urge to gamble may pass or become weak enough to resist. Giving oneself a reality check and visualizing on and feel after losing all the money and how disappointing it will to those you care about. Lastly, avoiding isolation connecting with old friends, and making new friends can do wonders since the people around you will always be on your watch for the gambling behavior.
Work Cited
Alex, Ben, and Lia, Norton. A Pathways Model of Problem and Pathological Gambling, 2019. https://www.uv.es/choliz/ModeloJuego.pdf. Accessed 22 Nov 2022.
Eric, Luther &Tom, Peter. Problem Gambling: An Overview. www.in.gov/fssa/dmha/files/Eric-Davis-Problem-Gambling-An-Overview-Dr.-Eric-Davis-2.pdf. Accessed 22 Nov 2022.
Rozmi, Izma and Nordin, Allan. Gambling Addiction, Impulsive Behavior and Depression Amongst Civil Servants in Malaysia, 2021. hrmars.com/papers-submitted/10229-gambling-addiction-impulsive-behavior-and-depression-amongst-civil-servants-in-malaysia.pdf. Accessed 22 Nov 2022.
