{"id":693,"date":"2020-03-24T18:41:18","date_gmt":"2020-03-24T07:41:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uberpokies.org\/?p=693"},"modified":"2020-04-07T19:16:27","modified_gmt":"2020-04-07T09:16:27","slug":"march-is-problem-gambling-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uberpokies.org\/march-is-problem-gambling-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"
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.<\/p>\n
Tim Costello, the spokesperson of the Alliance for Gambling Reform stated: \u201cGambling in Australia is the equivalent of guns in America.\u201d<\/p>\n
200,000 Australians are estimated to have a high-level problem, with twice that number classified as low-level addicts. \u00a0Aussies spend an average of $1,300 annually on gambling, well ahead of the next highest nation which is Singapore ($600 per capita).<\/p>\n
The science of addiction<\/strong><\/p>\n 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 \u2018high\u2019 and to some individuals, it is as intense as the feeling brought about by drugs or alcohol.<\/p>\n Warning signs<\/strong><\/p>\n Several symptoms may indicate that you are a problem gambler. These include but are not limited to:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gateways to problem gambling<\/strong><\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n If any of the criteria listed apply to you, it would be best to either limit your gambling or avoid it completely.\u00a0 If not, you could be at enhanced risk for addiction.<\/p>\n The way out<\/strong><\/p>\n Quitting cold turkey is an option for a percentage of problem gamblers; however, this is a highly difficult method with variable success.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t an applicable solution for everyone.<\/p>\n Helping hands<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n\n
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