Gamblers Health Research Foundation studies problem gambling cases when gambling causes difficulties in your life, such as debt, relationship problems, job loss, stress, or depression, or when it interferes with other duties.
These issues occur because gambling may be addictive: it can become a difficult habit to break, even if you know it is harming you and your family.
“Addiction” is used in casual conversation, and on social media. Being an ‘addict’ is even made fun of. But the term “addiction” refers to a medical condition.
That is to say; it is a diagnosis that can only be made by a healthcare expert, who will then devise a treatment plan. We do not recommend taking an online poll to determine whether you are an “addict.”
Yet, if you’re inquiring about addiction, you’re concerned about your gambling.
You consider your gambling to be an unsolvable problem.
Not only gambling can be addictive. Find out how video game addiction occurs, read “Can You Really Be Addicted to Video Games?“
Specific thoughts come to mind when you consider the consequences of gambling. Concerns about money, marital problems, and other significant challenges are only a few examples. However, you may be unaware of the emotional consequences of gambling, which many individuals experience regardless of how much or how often they wager.
These impacts are subtle at first, but they accumulate, generating stress in our lives. They are not required to, though. Because once you know what’s causing the tension, you can relieve it yourself or assist a loved one.
It’s all about the feelings when it comes to gambling. There’s the thrill of winning, the pleasure of socializing, or the comfort of a relaxing session at the slots.
But there are other feelings, such as worry, regret, and a tiny amount of guilt, that almost everyone experiences at some point, even. It’s easy to overlook this aspect of gambling, but these sentiments may pile up even if you don’t gamble.
From there, you can find yourself feeling sad for no clear reason. You may be irritable, easily annoyed, or simply anxious. Suddenly, the repercussions of gambling become plain.
Many people are likely unaware of the detrimental impacts of gambling since it does not happen immediately. But it’s important to remember that gambling isn’t only about cash. It’s all about how it may influence how you feel and act.
Have I Got a Gambling Problem?
It might be difficult to tell whether your gaming is out of control. A typical reaction is to downplay or deny that it is harmful. Some people may conceal their gambling or lie about the amount of time and money they spend on it.
You might say to yourself, “I enjoy this, it’s just my way of relaxing…”, “I’ll stop when I have the next big win…”, “It makes me forget my worries…” or “I can stop whenever I want.” These are all forms of denial.
You are:
- keeping you up at night thinking about gambling;
- have a sense of being powerless;
- accumulating unpayable debt;
- feeling as though you can’t talk about your gambling with anyone;
- keeping your gambling activity hidden.
You are not alone in being concerned about your gambling. People from all walks of life, from sports stars to everyday people, battle with the amount of time and money they spend gaming.
How to Manage Money While Playing Games?
Take a look at these money-management suggestions to help you quit or reduce your gambling:
- Have someone you can trust to assist you with your daily financial management
- Carry only a little cash and avoid using bank or credit cards.
- Make arrangements with your bank to cut your daily ATM cash withdrawal limit.
- Remove cash withdrawals from your credit card and stop gaming transactions on your credit and debit cards by contacting your bank.
- Bank and credit cards should be cancelled or given to someone you trust.
- Consider having two individuals sign your bank accounts as signatories.
- Inform family and friends of your current circumstances and request that they refrain from lending money to you.