According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, or NCPG, problems associated with gambling can create psychological, physical, social and vocational trouble in your life. These are major areas, that when disrupted, can lead to strains in relationships, occupational problems and financial problems. If you become unable to control your gambling behaviors, it may be necessary for you to seek professional help.
Money Needs
In order to sustain your gambling, you must have money, and since the odds of losing are much higher than winning, chances are you will be in constant need of more funding. Gambling can intensify your need for money. According to Help Guide, when this happens you might begin to put gambling funds on your credit cards at increasing rates, making your debt grow. Out of desperation, you may begin asking friends and family to borrow money. Also, as your desire to fund the gambling increases, you may begin to steal items that can be sold to pawn stores in return for cash, reports Help Guide.
Increase Risk
Gambling is not solely about winning. The fun that people experience also comes from the risk-taking associated with gambling. Many times, in order to sustain the thrill, you will have to increase your risk- taking behaviors. That means that the bets will get larger and larger, and at some point you may bet more than you can afford to lose, reports Mayo Clinic.com. This need to feel the thrill of the increasing risk can be a devastating behavior when you lose everything.
Preoccupation
Gambling has the power to pull you in and make it hard for you to focus on other things. Your need to gamble can be on your mind constantly, and you are always thinking about when the next time will be that you will get to gamble, reports NCPG. At times, the preoccupation with gambling will cause you to lose sleep, according to NCPG.
Disregard for Relationships
You may begin to disregard the needs of those around you. At times, the desire to gamble can become so strong that you will take time from work and significant events involving family or friends in order to gamble, reports Mayo Clinic.com. You may become secretive to keep your gambling unknown to those around you, reports Help Guide. Also, if the need to gamble increases and you no longer have your own funds, you may gamble away money of your family and friends or your earnings, instead of paying your bills. This type of disregard for the safety and the well -being of those close to you will result in broken relationships, loss of jobs and mistrust.
Suicide
A significant problem that can result from gambling is suicide. According to Help Guide, many gamblers can become so overwhelmed by financial ruin and broken relationships that they feel helpless enough to take their own lives. If you or someone you know is feeling helpless as a result of gambling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
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