Online Gambling and Mental Health: A Silent Epidemic

In the fast growing realm of internet gaming, the risks are much higher where half the world’s population is said to be involved in forms of gambling. The greatest interest among the viewers is created by large casino games such as poker, slots, and online roulette, which are different in emotions and adventurous moments with which millions can be captivated. A record number of the participants proves not only the popularity of these games but also the risks that accompany the development of this trend.

The increase in online gambling can be attributed to the flexibility in access and the type of games which are available at the tips of one’s fingers. With the availability of smartphones and advanced internet the games that earlier could only be played in casinos are available throughout the world, 24/7. With this transformation, gambling has pulled in more parties than ever making the event attract participants from across the society.

However, beneath the surface of this booming industry lies a silent epidemic that is often overlooked: has significant consequences for the further deterioration of patients’ condition and their mental state in particular. People that get involved in the use of online gambling experience a rise in the level of anxiety, depression, and array of other mental disorders. It is therefore imperative that more focus be placed on redesigning or creating new approaches to respond to the unsung growing mental health problem with the new age of digital gambling.

Impact of Online Gambling on Mental Health

The effects of online gambling to the mental well-being of people are immense because these sites are influenced by the features that make them addictive. Online gambling entices people with its message of getting a fortune in a short span of time making it get a psychological hold over the people. The primary disadvantages include the fact that there is no restricted time when a person can gamble thus making it easier for a person to spend long hours in gambling and other social aspects of life may be ignored.

It is important to note that such addictive behavior has been well associated with the following mentally related dangers. Such ill-effects as anxiety, depression, and higher levels of stress experience are reported in people who gamble on the Internet. These diseases are not made any better by the uncertainty and financial pressure that stems from gambling losses which put the individuals in a cycle of trying to recuperate the money lost while also suffering from more emotional turmoil in the process. Mental illnesses are not things discovered on paper only; as a matter of fact, the statistics are quite sobering. Research shows that pathological gambling ranges between 1 and 3 percent of the adult population, and most of these people experience severe psychological issues.

For one to have an emphasis on the daily impacts of online gambling, one should consider this illustration of a young professional who had thought that online poker was a good way to relieve stress. Gradually this social leisure developed into a pathological habit, which led to many monetary losses and the erosion of social bonds. This kind of experience is very much a wakeup call for every internet gambler to seek help as they are real people suffering from post effects of internet gambling, which is considered a rising silent epidemic.

Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction and Mental Health Issues

It is now well understood that the earliest signs of gambling disorders are necessary to address this silent threat and the consequences it has on people’s mental health when exposed to online gambling. Some of the familiar signs are the financial duress such as; coming up with explanations for sudden debts or taking loans and the obsessed thinking process of gambling in which people spend most of their time thinking about the next game they are going to play. This compulsion often results in the abandonment of responsibilities at work, home or school as more time and effort is spent in gambling.

Besides these signs, several signs of mental health disorders may appear. Fluctuations in mood, where a person experiences short-lived euphoria followed by depression, may become frequent, in addition to elevations in anxiety levels due to the unpredictable nature of gambling outcomes. Also, the affected individuals may avoid their families and friends and spend most of their time gambling thus losing even their dear ones.

That is why it is extremely important to be able to recognize these warning signs early enough in order to take corrective measures and reverse the situation. It is okay for a person to check his or her behaviors or emotions now and then or in case of the loved one. Some practical things can be done such as letting close friends or relatives know that one is struggling and may need some advice from them, and if this does not work one should consider seeking assistance from a health care provider. It is a known fact that early detection enables one to prevent or minimize the economical and emotional losses due to gambling addiction as well as the mental health issues.

Resources for Those Struggling with Online Gambling and Mental Health Issues

There are several sources and methods to get help for individuals struggling with compulsive gambling on the internet and any mental health issues related to it. There exists a myriad of support groups for gambling addiction, with both online and offline meetings available. Such organizations include Gamblers Anonymous and the Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery in which those comprising the group can share experiences and gain motivation from fellow suffering individuals.

A crisis can be reported to the national and local helpline offices who deal with gambling addicted individuals. Crisis lines including the National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline are available with services being available round-the-clock and can refer the concerned person to a professional.

Psychotherapy is one of the critical aspects of treating gambling disorder with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) being the most efficient. CBT is a type of therapy where people learn how to change bad thoughts that harm themselves and their wellbeing. On the other hand group therapy ensures that people suffering from the same conditions are grouped together making them feel that they are not alone.

It may also be useful to try and seek help from a professional but also one may attempt to try and figure that out on their own. The temptation to gamble should be eliminated and replaced with good habits which include setting limits for gambling and avoiding gambling altogether and participating in other activities such as gym, reading or parties. It is the use of these above-mentioned resources and such strategies which one can employ in order to fight this drug and alcohol menace and also enhance his / her state of mind.

Conclusion

In drawing the curtain on an intricate connection between online gambling and mental health as treated in this article, we must not lose sight of the important effects unveiled. Online gambling with getting addicted is very dangerous and has negative impacts such as anxiety, depression and even increased stress levels. It is important to note these risks so that they are immediately addressed before the situation gets worse and treatment is sought. If you, or a loved one are one who has issues with gambling addiction or its mental impacts then prevention is crucial. To overcome these challenges one should look for help and make use of various resources in confronting these difficulties. We should all come up with a way to fight this silent killer by disseminating this information and helping as many people in need.