Gambling, considered a harmless hobby, can turn into a serious problem. Its normalization has led to a rise in compulsive gambling across the world, including the United States. Whether it is bet999 sports betting or other forms of wagering activities, it is crucial for players to understand the effects of problematic gambling.
In this article, we will explore what a gambling disorder is and whether or not there is a positive relationship between betting activities and depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Keep reading until the end, as we will go over how you can help yourself or your loved one escape a gambling addiction.
What Is a Gambling Disorder?
Gambling can be a fun pastime, but if you’re not betting responsibly, you may end up with a gambling disorder. This refers to gamblers who suffer from the following symptoms:
- The need to gamble despite the losses in a bid to achieve a certain level of excitement
- Multiple failed efforts to stop gambling
- The feeling of restlessness and irritability when away from gambling activities
- Constant lying to friends and family members to prevent them from knowing about your need to gamble
- Inability to hold a career or maintain relationships
- Resorting to gambling when feeling distressed
- Reaching out to others for financial support or seeking loans
- A preoccupation with gambling
A person is said to suffer from a gambling disorder if they fulfill any four of the symptoms mentioned above. According to a 2015 study titled “Gambling and Problem Gambling in the United States: Changes Between 1999 and 2013”, up to 4% of the population might suffer from problematic gambling.
Although anyone can be adversely impacted by gambling, certain groups of people are more likely to develop such problems, including college students, victims of substance abuse, and those with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Is There a Link Between Gambling and Depression?
According to many studies conducted, including the 2018 research paper titled “Explaining the relation between pathological gambling and depression: Rumination as an underlying common cause,” gambling has a severe mental impact on people who are already suffering from depression or stress-related conditions, such as hypertension, substance abuse, and insomnia.
Researchers have found that gambling works similarly to drugs. It activates the brain’s reward system, producing endorphins resulting in a high, even if the player is losing. This encourages them to continue with their betting activities.
With the passage of time, a gambler may continue to take greater risks to feel the thrill they once felt when they first participated in gambling activities. Smaller bets start to become boring as the brain begins to yearn for more dopamine.
Does Gambling Have an Impact on an Individual’s Mood?
Everyone experiences minor to significant mood changes throughout the day. However, when it comes to gambling, the person’s mood set-point tends to fluctuate, going up when participating in gambling activities and eventually returning to normal levels after the excitement settles.
This can turn into a problem, especially for those suffering from problem gambling, as the mood set-point can dip below normal levels even when the person is not making bets. It can lead to depression, which can worsen over time.
Those suffering from compulsive gambling disorder are often likely to experience suicidal thoughts, which is why it is essential to take such addictions seriously and seek urgent treatment.
Does Gambling Activities Lead to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder?
A 2017 study titled “Post-traumatic stress symptoms in pathological gambling: Potential evidence of anti-reward processes” found that 34% of the people suffering from problematic gambling also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can further exacerbate mental problems and lead to impulsivity, substance abuse, and in worse cases, suicide.
There is evidence that people with PTSD try to escape the problems or symptoms they’re experiencing by resorting to gambling activities.
Although it can bring on a “high,” similar to people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is a temporary escape that worsens with every passing time, leading to financial losses and greater despair.
Compulsive gamblers fall down the rabbit hole emotionally. They try to avoid discussing their addiction and go to great lengths to prevent others from knowing. This can eventually impact their relationships.
Is There a Relationship Between Gambling and Stress?
If you’re stressed, you’re more inclined to participate in betting activities, which can further fuel the gambling problem. This can lead to financial issues, and you may even start taking on debt to continue playing slots, cards, or any of your favorite online casino games.
It’s essential for people to understand that gambling is not a suitable coping mechanism. One should not wager as a way to handle stress or worldly problems.
If you’re experiencing stress or anxiety, take a minute to step back from what you’re doing and go for a walk or exercise. It will help release the feel-good endorphins and calm you down.
How Can You Help a Loved One?
Players suffering from problem gambling often deny help or refuse to accept that they’re facing an addiction. Learning more about the signs and symptoms of a gambling disorder is the first step in protecting your loved ones.
Once you’re aware of the symptoms, you’ll be able to recognize if your loved one is suffering from an addiction. You can approach and encourage them to join support groups or community discord channels. It may seem challenging, but the important thing is that one shouldn’t give up on them.
Final Thoughts
If quitting a bad habit was easy, there wouldn’t be any addictions or gambling problems in the world. Unfortunately, the reality is entirely different. However, there are steps that people or their loved ones can take to prevent problematic gambling from taking over, and this includes identifying the root cause.
Finding out why you or your loved one is resorting to gambling can give you insights into what is causing the problem, allowing you to take measures that can be beneficial. Another important thing to remember is that there is nothing wrong with seeking professional treatment.
Gambling addiction is a serious problem with far-reaching consequences than you can imagine. Speaking to a therapist and working on your addiction is a great way to accept the problems you’re facing before the recovery process.
