Every minute of the day, someone is gambling. Many people use gambling as an enjoyable, harmless way to spend some time. Cities like Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City thrive on people who seek distraction by taking a vacation to rest and gamble. Gambling problems occur when the fun of playing turns into an obsession that causes severe consequences.
What Is Gambling?
Gambling is when you play or place a bet hoping you will win. Some say winning or losing while gambling relies on skill and luck. Most people gamble because they’re hoping to win money or a large prize, like a car. Do you think of a casino or a sporting event when you think about gambling? While these are common spots for gambling, they’re not the only places you can gamble. Other forms of gambling include:
- Lotteries
- Scratch off cards
- Bingo
Why Gamble?
People gamble for a variety of reasons. For example, they may gamble to reduce stress, socialize with friends, or distract themselves from problems. However, you may not realize how the brain is affected when you bet. Gambling triggers happiness in the brain. Once the brain is activated, it releases chemicals that make you feel good. One study found that many people gamble because of the dream of winning big and the mood change that occur while gambling.
What Are the Risks of Gambling?
When you gamble responsibly, you can enjoy the happiness caused by the brain’s feel-good chemicals. However, if you become reliant on those feelings, gambling becomes risky. Every form of gambling comes with a risk. Each time you make a bet, you risk losing. Losing everything is a natural consequence of betting.
There are severe consequences beyond losing money when you lose control over your gambling. Some of the results are damage to your relationships, financial stability, and mental and physical health.
What Are the Effects of Gambling Addiction?
Your well-being is affected when your source of entertainment becomes an obsession. If you need to gamble to make yourself feel good, you should consider seeking gambling addiction treatment. Why?
According to The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH) article “Signs of Problem Gambling,” the stress, anxiety, or depression connected to gambling is the source of stomach problems, muscle aches, headaches, and sleep issues. Relationships with loved ones are also damaged when gambling becomes an addiction. Furthermore, you risk losing money, property, or your job.
What Are the Signs of a Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction isn’t the result of a weak will or the ability to afford losing money. Gambling addiction affects people from all walks of life. Some signs of gambling addiction include:
- Being secretive about your gambling
- The inability to control your gambling
- Gambling, despite not having enough money
- Fractured relationships
Every day someone will be diagnosed with a gambling addiction. Gambling addiction doesn’t care about social status, education level, or gender. Anyone can become reliant on the feeling because of the brain’s feel-good chemicals. If you need help with a gambling problem, The Guest House is ready to guide you through gambling addiction treatment. We can help you learn how to replace harmful habits with healthy coping skills. Our judgment-free atmosphere is an integral part of our philosophy. While you explore our historic estate, you will feel the healing effects of treatment. Call us at (855) 483-7800.