Understanding Gambling Addiction
Many people think of gambling as an enjoyable activity. Typically, it is a great way to have a little fun from time to time and involves nothing more than a small bet on a horse or a football game. For some, gambling is nothing more than playing the lottery once or twice weekly.
Unfortunately, others have a severe gambling problems. It can become an obsession that takes control of their lives. Every minute of the day is spent gambling or thinking about when they will get the chance to do so again.
When you consider the impact it can have on a person’s life, it’s simple to see why gambling is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
The Rise In Gambling Addiction
When most people in the UK think about addiction, their first thought is substances, like drugs and alcohol. With that said, gambling is a significant problem in the UK. It seems to grow each and every year. Along with gambling sex addiction is a problem also in the UK. If you or someone you know is struggling with this then see ‘sex addiction therapist‘
There are numerous reasons for this change. Much of this is due to the fact that gambling has become more accessible than ever. Online gambling has made it simple to place bets without leaving home. With free bets being offered to new customers of gambling sites, it’s easy to see why more people are trying to take a chance on winning a bounty.
The main problem is that very few people win enough to significantly change their lives. In fact, many spend a fortune trying to score a win, especially those who have gained an addiction.
Another reason that gambling addiction is so rampant is the presence of fixed-odds betting terminals in shops across the country. Each shop is allowed to have up to four of these machines, which are sometimes referred to as the “crack cocaine of gambling”.
There are plans in place to reduce the amount that can be wagered on each bet. At this point, people can bet as much as £100 per spin. Since these machines can spin as many as three times per minute, a gambler can lose more than £1500 in as little as five minutes. It’s been said that these machines were designed to be addictive and they are taking advantage of people who are very vulnerable.
The Impact Of Gambling Addiction
It is important to note how badly gambling addiction impacts individuals, their families and society as a whole. As you can probably imagine, gambling can have terrible consequences for all involved.
Many who become addicted enter a horrible cycle of gambling and seeking ways to pay for their habit. Since it requires a steady stream of cash, it can be hard to pay for it. Many resorts to taking out loans and placing bets with their credit cards. Once they have exhausted these options, they may start to borrow or steal from their family and friends.
Imagine ruining personal and professional relationships because gambling has taken over your life. It is far more detrimental than many people understand. It can take the life of a successful, happy person and make it into something that is entirely different.
All of this can have a terrible impact on the quality of someone’s life. Many will attempt to hide their addiction from their loved ones until they have hit bottom. It is common for family members to be unaware of how bad the problem is until it is far out of control. In addition, trying to maintain secrecy about their addiction can affect their mental health and cause immense stress. If you or someone you know has been affected by gambling, it may be time to seek help.