Mental Health and Gambling

Gambling is a popular activity for many people, and some can develop a problem. If you find yourself betting more than you can afford to lose or if you’re spending money on gambling that you could use for other things, it may be time to seek help. Read on to learn more about how gambling can affect mental health, and where to get help if you’re struggling.

People gamble for a variety of reasons: the thrill of winning, socialising with friends, or escape from worries or stress. However, for some people the urge to gamble can become out of control and lead to problems with their finances and family life. This can lead to serious mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Some people even start to think about suicide or suicidal thoughts. It is important to seek support as soon as possible if you have these feelings, and to be aware that gambling can also increase the risk of suicide.

Whether you’re in a twinkly casino or a quiet betting shop, gambling is not always as glamorous as it looks in the movies. Often the dealers, who are mostly women, are very tired and stressed, and their shifts can be long and exhausting. They work hard to earn their tips, so be sure to give them a chip whenever they hand you your change, or leave a cash tip when they bring you your winnings. And remember, always tip the cocktail waitresses too! They don’t get paid much and they’re often working a lot of hours.

In some cases, the highs and lows of gambling can start to affect your brain chemistry. This can make other things that used to make you happy feel less appealing – like food and sex. However, it’s possible to rebalance your mood and stop gambling from controlling your life. There are lots of ways to get help, including counselling and rehab programmes.

Understanding pathological gambling has changed considerably over the years. Historically, researchers, psychiatrists and other treatment care clinicians have framed the issue differently depending on their disciplinary training and interests. This has led to an absence of agreed nomenclature and has stimulated a range of views on the causes of pathological gambling, including recreational interest, diminished mathematical skills, poor judgment, cognitive distortions, mental illness and moral turpitude.

Despite these differences, the evidence suggests that pathological gambling is an addictive disorder. The rationale for viewing gambling behavior as an addictive disorder is discussed, and the literature on the relationship between gambling behaviors and health is reviewed, including screening for and treatment of pathological gambling. This review of the current state of knowledge in this area is intended to assist primary care physicians and other health professionals in assessing patients for problem gambling, and in providing effective treatment when appropriate. The authors would like to thank Drs. Sean Sullivan and Suck Won Kim for their personal communications, and Dr. Loreen Rugle for her assistance with this project.