Negative Effects Problem Gambling

8/2/2022by admin

Millions of people in the United States are currently struggling with problem gambling; many of whom have sought out treatment under the diagnosis of struggling with gambling disorder. This struggle affects the gambler, but is also effects family members. Gambling is referred to as the “hidden addiction” because it’s easier to hide than other addictions, and is often kept secret. However, many times, family members are the first to see signs of a gambling problem. Learn the signs of problem gambling, and steps you can take to protect your family.

Negative Effects Problem Gambling Definition
Negative Effects Problem Gambling Addiction

Problem Gambling And The Family

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of a Gambling Addiction Gambling is associated with many additional effects, in both the short- and long-term. Gambling addiction frequently results in other addictions that serve as coping mechanisms for people who are stressed out by the activity. Dr Joseph Nicolosi answers questions about gambling addiction sent in my our readers. He reveals what turns someone into a problem gambler and more. The World’s online gaming authority since 1995.

Problem gambling can have a huge effect on the family. Family members who are negatively affected by a loved one’s gambling struggle with increased anxiety and stress. This can be due to the anticipation of a loved one’s unpredictable mood after gambling, the uncertainty of financial stability or difficulties, and the lack of trust because of the many lies a person struggling with problem gambling has told. Due to all of these family-felt negative effects of a loved one’s gambling, the family may struggle with depression.

Family Identified Warning Signs

There are many problem gambling warning signs. The warning signs below may be the first step to understanding that someone’s gambling is having a negative effect on the family. A family member may be struggling with problem gambling if:

Food is becoming less abundant in the home;
Family members are beginning to go without necessary medications;
They don’t know where the gambler spends her/his time;
The family is struggling with financial responsibilities;
They feel physically or emotionally mistreated or abused;
The family feels their needs aren’t being met;
The person struggling with problem gambling is unaware or unwilling to accept that they have a problem with their gambling.

Learn More About Problem Gambling

If gambling is having a negative effect on your family, learn as much as you can about problem gambling. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to begin protecting yourself and your family from the negative effects of problem gambling. Learn about the path of problem gambling to better understand how the struggle may have begun. Read e-books like Understand Problem Gambling to gain a stronger understanding of problem gambling. For additional resources, like infographics, e-books and videos, visit our KnowTheOdds.org Resources page.

Additional Support

If gambling is negatively effecting your family, there is additional support available. Group support for family members negatively affected by gambling can be found through GAM-ANON. If you’d like more personalized help for yourself, you can always seek counseling and treatment though the NYS HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (or 1-877-846-7369).

If you found this information helpful in any way, please share this post with everyone you know to help those who may be struggling with their own, or someone else’s, gambling disorder. By sharing this information, you can help motivate them to get the support and help they need and, perhaps, change their lives!

When you think of the effects of gambling, certain things spring to mind. Like financial worries, relationship difficulties and other serious issues.

But you might not be aware of the emotional effects of gambling, which many people experience no matter how much or how often they bet. These effects start off small and often build up, causing stress in our lives.

But they don’t have to. Because if you understand what’s causing stress, you can take the pressure off yourself or help a loved one do the same.

Emotional stress from gambling

Gambling is all about emotions. There’s the fun of winning, the enjoyment of socialising or the familiar routine of some downtime on the pokies.

But there are other emotions too, like stress, regret and a little guilt, which most people feel at some point even if only briefly. It’s easy to forget about this side of gambling but these feelings often build up, even if you’re not gambling very much or very often.

And from there, you can find yourself feeling a little down – often without knowing why. You might be short tempered, easily annoyed or simply stressed. Suddenly, you’re feeling the effects of gambling.

Negative effects problem gambling winnings

It might not happen straight away, which is probably why many people don’t understand the negative effects of gambling. But it’s worth being aware that gambling is not all about the money. It’s about how it can make you feel and act.

How people are being affected

Is my gambling affecting me?

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.

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.

Signs of harm from gambling

Long before it looks like a problem, gambling can be causing harm.

Harm from gambling isn’t just about losing money. Gambling can affect self-esteem, relationships, physical and mental health, work performance and social life. It can harm not only the person who gambles but also family, friends, workplaces and communities. Here are some signs of gambling harm you can look for.

Initial signs of harm:

having less time or money to spend on recreation and family
reduced savings
increased consumption of alcohol
feelings of guilt or regret

Advanced signs of harm:

relationship conflict
reduced work or study performance
financial difficulties
anger
feelings of shame and hopelessness

If left un-checked, these harms can escalate or lead to more severe harms.

Help yourself

If you’ve noticed gambling is stopping you from achieving the things you want to, it’s time to tackle it.

How to reduce your gambling

Follow these practical tips to help ensure that gambling doesn't sneak up on you.

Regaining control

If your gambling is causing problems in your life, there are things you can do to stop it being an issue. You can take steps to change your life.