How Gambling Affects the People Around You
Gambling involves risking money or something of value on an event that is based on chance. It can be done in a casino, at home with a game of cards or in other ways. It may be fun, but it is also a form of addiction. It can have negative impacts on family members, friends and the community. It is important to understand how gambling affects the people around you and how you can help someone who is struggling with problem gambling.
A person’s motivation for gambling can be influenced by their social environment and personal values. It can also be influenced by factors such as their brain function and genetic predisposition. People with certain brain regions that are linked to decision-making may be more impulsive and have difficulty controlling their emotions. They also may have an underactive reward system in the brain. This can lead to a desire for thrills and a tendency to take risks.
Some people turn to gambling as a way to relieve unpleasant feelings such as boredom, loneliness or grief. They may also find it a way to relax or socialize with friends. There are healthier and more effective ways to relieve these feelings, including exercise, spending time with friends who don’t gamble and practicing relaxation techniques.
The impact of gambling is multifaceted and includes economic, labor, and health and well-being impacts. These are measured at the individual, interpersonal and community/societal levels. The methodological challenges in measuring these impacts include how to measure non-monetary effects and how to differentiate between costs and benefits.
Whether someone is experiencing a gambling disorder or not, it can have negative impacts on their quality of life and the lives of those around them. These impacts can affect relationships, work performance, and physical and mental health. They can also affect the ability to meet financial obligations, and they may even lead to bankruptcy and homelessness. Those close to someone who is struggling with gambling can support them by providing emotional and financial support, by seeking professional help and, when necessary, taking legal action.
In some cases, a person who is struggling with gambling will not acknowledge the issue until they are faced with a crisis that they cannot resolve on their own. They may then move through cycles of awareness and denial. If this happens, you can try to intervene by talking to them about their problems in a calm and respectful manner.
It is important to remember that a person who has a gambling disorder needs to be ready to change before they can recover. This can take time, so it’s important to be patient and to not push them too hard. You can offer them a variety of resources, such as support groups, treatment options and self-help literature. You can also encourage them to build a strong support network and participate in activities that are not related to gambling. You can also get them to try new hobbies and interests to keep their mind occupied.
