Problem Gambling Awareness Month was created 18 years ago in America and has since spread to territories like Australia, where the need for interventions to curb problem gambling is particularly urgent.
Tim Costello, the spokesperson of the Alliance for Gambling Reform stated: “Gambling in Australia is the equivalent of guns in America.”
200,000 Australians are estimated to have a high-level problem, with twice that number classified as low-level addicts. Aussies spend an average of $1,300 annually on gambling, well ahead of the next highest nation which is Singapore ($600 per capita).
The science of addiction
Winning at any form of gambling triggers the release of dopamine in your body, feeding the reward center of your brain. The effect is a natural ‘high’ and to some individuals, it is as intense as the feeling brought about by drugs or alcohol.
Warning signs
Several symptoms may indicate that you are a problem gambler. These include but are not limited to:
- Constant thoughts about gambling.
- Gambling has negatively impacted your relationships and/or employment.
- Borrowing money from others to keep gambling after you’ve used up all of yours.
- Resorting to fraud or theft to fuel your gambling habit.
- Stopping or cutting back on gambling makes you irate and anxious.
- To re-experience the original thrill, you have to constantly increase the size of your bets.
- Gambling is your escape from depression and/or anxiety.
- You are dishonest with friends and family about how much and how often you gamble.
- You don’t quit after a losing session, you keep playing in an attempt to turn the tables on your bad luck.
- You have attempted to stop gambling, but you have always failed at staying away.
- In isolation, some of the above may only indicate that you are in the “at-risk” category. However, if two or more apply to you, then you are likely at the stage where you should seek help.
Gateways to problem gambling
Most people who gamble do so as a recreational activity and can walk away quite easily. There is a small segment of the population that becomes dependent on gambling due to factors such as biological, environmental, and genetic issues. Here are some of the more common causes:
- Depression or anxiety.
- Personality traits such as impulsiveness, competitiveness, or having a short attention span.
- Those with friends or family who are problem gamblers.
- Young or middle-aged individuals. Older players are also susceptible to addiction however; the previous two age groups are more at risk.
- Some medications, particularly “dopamine agonist” can aggravate compulsive behavior.
- Individuals with substance abuse issues.
- Mental health disorders including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
If any of the criteria listed apply to you, it would be best to either limit your gambling or avoid it completely. If not, you could be at enhanced risk for addiction.
The way out
Quitting cold turkey is an option for a percentage of problem gamblers; however, this is a highly difficult method with variable success.
A combination of therapy and a support group is recommended for most people. There are also some medications that may also dampen your impulsive tendencies, but these aren’t an applicable solution for everyone.
Helping hands
The Gambling Help Online site is a vital starting point for problem gamblers or those attempting to assist them. The website offers confidential access to information, advice, live chat, and email support 24/7.
The National Gambling Helpline is also available 24/7 for Aussie residents. Professional, confidential assistance is available at any time if you dial 1800 858 858.
Click here for more information on how to be a responsible gambler and get the help you need.
