Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is often referred to as a hidden addiction by many. The Royal College of Psychiatrists recognise it as an addiction that disrupts or damages personal, family or recreational pursuits.
These can include financial harms, family harms and health harms.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists have outlined the following examples:
-
Financial harms: overdue utility bills; borrowing from family friends and loan sharks; debts; pawning or selling possessions; eviction or repossession; defaults; committing illegal acts like fraud, theft, embezzlement to finance gambling; bankruptcy; etc...
-
Family harms: preoccupied with gambling so normal family life becomes difficult; increased arguments over money and debts; emotional and physical abuse, neglect and violence towards spouse/partner and/or children; relationship problems and separation/divorce.
-
Health harms: low self-esteem; stress-related disorders; anxious, worried or mood swings; poor sleep and appetite; substance misuse; depression, suicidal ideas and attempts; etc...
-
School/college/work harms: poor school, college or work performance; increased absenteeism; expulsion or dismissal.
Below are some facts relating to this.
Facts
2 MILLION
PEOPLE IN THE UK AT RISK OR PROBLEM GAMBLERS
UP TO 650
GAMBLING RELATED SUICIDES PER YEAR
2% OF ADDICTS WERE ABLE TO ACCESS TREATMENT
THE AVERAGE PROBLEM GAMBLER SPENDS £35000 YEAR
15% OF ONLINE GAMBLERS GAMBLE IN THE WORKPLACE