Casino Addiction Facts You Should Know
Gambling has become more common and easily accessible than ever before, with every state now offering a variety of legalized gambling options from slot machines to sports betting apps. Moreover, gambling has become even more accessible with the growth of the internet, so you can play at home with a phone or internet connection. However, there are some casino addiction facts that you should know before going to a gambling establishment. In fact, around two million Americans are addicted to gambling, and twenty million others have some form of gambling addiction.
Whether a person is addicted to gambling is up for debate, but the fact is that there are no definitive answers. The best way to identify if a person has a gambling problem is to examine their behavior. It is common for an individual to spend more than they should. However, gambling is a behavior that may cause serious psychological damage to an individual. In addition, excessive gambling can lead to depression, anxiety, and despair. The most obvious symptom of gambling addiction is excessive spending.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine estimates that up to eight million Americans have some sort of gambling disorder. These statistics indicate that twenty-five percent of all college students gamble at least once a month. Additionally, twenty-five percent of casino addicts have an alcohol problem. The percentage of people who report having a gambling problem is even higher if it is self-reported. Unlike other addictions, however, there is a high percentage of denial. Most problem gamblers are smart and successful people.
Once diagnosed with a gambling addiction, it is crucial to establish a support system. Not only should you reach out to friends and family, but you should also develop new relationships outside the gambling realm. You should also look for peer support groups. Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step recovery program, modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. To join, you must have a “sponsor,” a former gambler who can provide guidance and encouragement.
Despite the many positive aspects of the addiction, it can still have detrimental effects. A person with an addiction to gambling might experience bouts of depression or suicidal thoughts, and even try to steal money to continue their gambling. If left untreated, this can result in serious mental and emotional consequences. One study revealed that over half of people in treatment for a gambling problem had suicidal thoughts, and more than one-third had attempted suicide.
It’s also important to know that gambling can be a safe recreational activity for responsible gamblers. However, when people become addicted to casino gambling, their lives may suffer. The fact remains that despite the financial benefits of gambling, it can still be a destructive activity. And while it can be a harmless form of recreation, it is not always safe. Casino addiction facts include the following:
