Negative Effects of Gambling

As any friend or family member knows, 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 remorse all the promises Never to do it again…..until the next time.

This is similar to all other addictions, but unlike them, you can hide this addiction. You can’t see the addiction 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 for the addict:

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 it sometimes leads to ongoing debt and property loss.

Along with the financial strain there's also emotional strain:

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 issues (as if I had to tell you this right?)

Role changes –children 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.

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.

You can't do this on your own. Seek out treatment and get the help that you need.

Is someone's gambling driving you crazy?

(Source: Responsible Gambling Council)