Many people gamble, and most can do so safely as a form of recreation. But for some who are at a higher risk for addiction, or use gambling to decompress and escape from life stressors, it can become a much bigger issue.
There are many reasons someone starts gambling. For most, it’s a social experience and a form of entertainment, but some look to gambling to escape from life problems, or even to solve problems – thinking they know the game and mistakenly believing they can beat the odds. Relying on gambling to escape stress and everyday problems is a dangerous step on the way to developing a gambling disorder. It may be surprising that even someone who only gambles occasionally can begin experiencing problems after a big win. The bottom line is that problem gambling can impact anyone, regardless of income level or other life experiences. When the gambler wins a jackpot, it creates a dopamine rush in the brain – completely outside the gambler’s control – that can and may very well cause cravings to gamble more. That can lead to “chasing losses” in search of another win, and a dangerous cycle begins!
“If I did it once…I can win again.”
Take note if this sounds familiar.
Stress can cause someone to gamble, and gambling can then cause more stress. For someone who develops a problem, this becomes a feedback chamber. It’s not hard to imagine how stress and gambling can open a sinkhole under the gambler’s life that grows and grows, swallowing financial stability, relationships, the gambler’s career, and more.
If you choose to gamble, stopping to assess whether you’re still in control and still having fun is key. Are you having fun, or is your gambling causing stress? Anger? Fear? Has your gambling become more frequent? Are you spending (and losing) more and more money each time? Are you being honest about your gambling and losses with others and with yourself? Gambling away money won is still money lost. Are you gambling with money that was supposed to be for other things, like bills or a planned expense? Are those who care about you becoming increasingly concerned about your gambling? Do you find yourself having to defend, justify, or make excuses for your gambling habits? Help and hope are available 24/7 for Floridians through the 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine.
Even if there’s just the slightest doubt in your mind, taking a minute to share your concerns can make a monumental difference with what happens down the line. You can do it right now by calling or texting 888-ADMIT-IT and speaking to a live person. Your conversation is completely confidential and starts and stops whenever you want it to. Gambling addiction is a progressive disease that only gets worse over time. No matter where you are today, recovery is never out of reach.