How Problem Gambling Can Cause Physical Health Issues

No matter who you are, everyone has some sort of stress in their lives. There is good stress and bad stress. Good stress is called “eustress” and can help you motivate, focus, and act when needed in a positive way. On the other hand, bad stress can negatively impact mental and physical health and has a more familiar name: “distress.”

The problem is when you have been under stress for a long time, you may not even recognize it anymore. On top of that, it can wreak havoc in your body and mind while literally making you sick – especially if you are dealing with disordered gambling. Problem gambling brings immense levels of stress to the gambler and his or her loved ones and dependents, as relationship problems, financial pressure, legal difficulties, and other issues develop.

Stress is the body’s reaction to either real or perceived harmful situations that actually cause a chemical change in the body and mind, called the “fight or flight” response. During this stress response, your heart rate increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten, and blood pressure rises. This is how the body gets ready to react and protect itself.

Stress is relative – something that is stressful for one person may not be for another. Coping mechanisms also vary from person to person, and some are able to deal with stress better than others. For example, those with stronger support networks from friends, family, or community tend to cope better with stress. Having people to rely on provides emotional support and practical assistance during challenging times.¹

You may not know how stressed you really are until reaching your breaking point – both physically and mentally. Do you know the symptoms of stress? Here are some examples of how they affect you, and some may sound very familiar:

Physical Stress Symptoms:

• Low energy
• Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
• Aches, pains, and tense muscles
• Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
• Frequent colds and infections
• Loss of sexual desire and/or ability
• Nervousness and shaking
• Clenched jaw and grinding teeth
• Headaches
• Trouble sleeping

Emotional Stress Symptoms:

• Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
• Feeling overwhelmed, as if you are losing control or need to take control
• Avoiding others and any conflict
• Having a hard time relaxing and quieting your mind
• Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), and feeling lonely, worthless, and depressed
• Having a hard time relaxing and quieting your mind

Cognitive Stress Symptoms:

• Can’t focus
• Racing thoughts
• Forgetfulness and disorganization
• Poor judgment
• Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side
• Worrying constantly
• Thinking you are the one to blame

Behavioral Stress Symptoms:

• Changes in appetite – either not eating enough or eating too much
• Gambling more
• Hoarding or overspending money
• Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities
• More use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
• Having more nervous behaviors, such as nail biting, fidgeting, and pacing
• Staying away from home more
• Starting arguments

If not faced and worked on, living in a constant state of stress can have a serious affect on your life, body, and well-being. Here are some examples:

• Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders
• Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and strokes
• Gastrointestinal problems, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, and irritable colon
• Back and shoulder problems
• Obesity and other eating disorders
• Not eating enough
• Indigestion
• Menstrual problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Skin and hair problems, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema, and permanent hair loss

If you are experiencing stress due to gambling, whether your own or that of a loved one, free help, hope, and resource referrals are available. Call or text the 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual Problem Gambling HelpLine for Florida: 888-ADMIT-IT. Connect with counselors certified to treat gambling addiction, learn more about the FCCG’s Online Program for Problem Gamblers (OPPG), discover FCCG’s Peer Connect Program, find Self-Help Support Group Meetings near you, and so much more.

[1] Marie, Simone. “Why People Cope with Life Events so Differently.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 5 Feb. 2021, www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/why-people-cope-with-life-events-so-differently.