Health Problems – mental and physical

A problem gambler may suffer physical and mental illness as a result of their gambling. Anxiety and depression are common and the gambler may experience panic attacks or a feeling of despondency and lack of self worth. Once the addiction takes hold these problems increase as it becomes harder for the gambler to see a way out of the situation. The stress involved in hiding the addiction and the financial strain of the gambling itself can lead to headaches and nausea. Many problem gamblers experience insomnia. Weight loss and general poor health as a result of self neglect are possible. Some problem gamblers become physically run down due to devoting all their time and energy to gambling. Ordinary day to day concerns such as diet and personal care become unimportant. In some cases the gambler may resort to the use of drugs or alcohol, or the increased use of tobacco to relieve the tension. This in turn leads to more serious health problems.

When problem gambling becomes serious it begins to affect everything you say and do. As the addiction takes over it will seep into every aspect of life, consuming thoughts and dictating actions.

The gambler is no longer in complete control of his or her life and as a result changes in character and personality are possible. Others may notice and comment on this, but something that often goes unrecognised is the effect on the gambler themselves. Regardless of age, gender, social position, family and financial status, someone succumbing to compulsive gambling may be most frightened by the way they seem to be loosing control of themselves. The emotional pressure of problem gambling can slowly erode self worth. The gambler may become aware of these changes in personality - changes in the way they think about themselves - but are helpless to act on this awareness. He or she may feel overwhelmed by the position they have put themselves in; feelings of helplessness in the face of the addiction are common. So aside from the stress and strain of the gambling, the person also suffers from negative changes in their mental state. The result of this is possibly most the most damaging effect of problem gambling: the breakdown of relationships.

Social Problems – when relationships suffer

Problem gambling is not simply a financial concern; it is a psychological addiction with behavioural outcomes. In other words, problem gambling affects the behaviour of the individual; this in turn affects the individual’s relationships with other people. Aside from the gambler his or her self, the people most severely affected by problem gambling are the families of the gambler. The problem gambler may feel the need to hide the frequency and extent of the gambling from those closest to him. He or she will lie about where they have been and where their money has gone. This leads to tension and arguments within the family and ultimately a breakdown of trust between family members. Time usually spent with the family or in the home is now spent gambling. Spouses and children feel neglected and ignored. It is difficult for them to understand how something seemingly frivolous and inconsequential can take over the life of someone they love. The longer the gambling goes on the deeper the rift will become.