‘Gambling is by and large a very secretive addiction’ – The Irish Times

The government's plan to ban daytime gambling advertising highlights the need to do more to combat gambling addiction across all generations.

The recently published Institute of Public Health report 'Children and Gambling: Evidence to inform Ireland's regulation and response' found that more than one in five 16-year-olds in Ireland have gambled for money in the past 12 months. I found out that I did it. Among those who gamble online.

Once the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 is passed, a new statutory body known as the Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority will be responsible for licensing and regulating gambling services in Ireland. This is because gambling can cost lives and, as the report suggests, boys make up the overwhelming majority (80%) of 16-year-olds who meet the criteria for problem gambling. This is an important public health measure. As a society, we have a responsibility to protect children and vulnerable people from the hardship and harm associated with gambling, and to further support people with problem gambling behaviour.

Gambling addiction has long been stigmatized by social stereotypes that it is caused by controllable factors related to a flawed personality. Social isolation caused by negative attitudes such as “irresponsibility” and “greed” and a lack of understanding of addiction can lead to narratives of self-stigma and blame, which can directly impact the path to recovery. there is. However, gambling addiction is a serious disorder that requires support, understanding and destigmatization.

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Gambling disorder was the first non-drug addiction to be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), recognizing it as a serious condition that can cause significant disability and stress to individuals and their families. It has been. Many factors can contribute to gambling addiction, but the thrill and high of gambling, along with being celebrated as a successful gambler every time you win, also has the appeal of competition.

But money doesn't come easily in gambling, and highs are often met with dangerous lows. “Like many addictions, people with gambling problems often start with small bets,” says Frank Harkin, a counselor and member of the association. Irish addiction counselor.

“One person says that his first bet was on the Grand National when he was about 17 years old. He bet 50p and won. He had been gambling with control for several years. But when they lost their jobs, they started gambling more to make money. But of course, very few people make money from gambling. They lose money, and when they start chasing their losses, things get worse. It gets worse.”

The continuous cycle of losing and needing to win perpetuates a gambler's need for money, which is overshadowed by addiction and its associated destructive habits. Harkin understands that this can lead to “lying, cheating, stealing, asking for loans and not paying them back, trying to get credit or credit cards.” “Anything you can do to gamble. However, the addiction can be quite advanced before the symptoms become noticeable. There are no symptoms such as drunkenness. Gambling is generally a very secretive addiction.”

Gambling is also a relatively diverse activity, and many people do not equate gambling problems with playing the lottery, buying stocks, or betting with friends, but as Harkin says, Playing any game of chance with high stakes is gambling. If you ask investors at Anglo and other banks, many have lost their retirement nest egg because they were told it was an investment.”

Given that gambling can also be enjoyed alone, it is not always clear when addiction begins or how far it progresses. “For years, most of us had to go to a bookie to gamble,” says Harkin, who recognizes that online betting has changed the game. “Problem gamblers are mobile. If they lived in the countryside, they often went to another town to gamble. People played football billiards, and many played so-called 'entertainment machines. ” I took a gamble. Many of them may be harmless, but there are people who spend their weekly paychecks betting on his 5 cent slot machine. ”

As with other addictions, there is often a reward associated with continued activity as the brain responds. When it comes to gambling, we often think of the reward as money, but it's also often just the thrill of making a bet and the emotional rush that comes with it. “This behavior appears to stimulate the reward part of the brain called the mesolimbic system,” Harkin says. “This can cause the release of extra dopamine in the brain, which can produce a feeling of satisfaction in gamblers, similar to what drugs and alcohol do to others.” Just thinking about it can be stimulating. Taking risks can increase your adrenaline and cortisol levels.”

Symptoms of gambling addiction vary, but include insomnia, quick tantrums, mood swings, irritability, restlessness, anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, avoidance of friends and family, preoccupation with gambling, and dishonesty. This includes actions. Gambling can also involve other short-term and long-term effects that can lead to further addiction, such as alcohol, drugs, or other harmful behaviors used as coping mechanisms to manage the stress of gambling. There is a gender.

There are often other causes for some of these similar symptoms and behaviors, and the root causes of gambling addiction can vary, so it helps to understand what's going on with you. Harkin advises talking to a professional, such as a doctor or counselor. Even if a compulsive gambler continues to win, it is considered an addiction. Gamblers have difficulty controlling their gambling habits whether they win or lose, often gamble when they can't afford it, and remain cautious about their actions.

“The compulsive and secretive nature of gambling can make it difficult for people to stop gambling,” Harkin says. “However, like any addiction, controlled gambling rarely lasts long, so abstinence is the recommended goal. Many treatment centers treat not only gamblers but also drug and alcohol abusers. We also treat addicts and compulsive spenders, similar to gambling. Some people are able to overcome their addictions on their own, but the majority require professional help.”

Harkin advises that it's best to find a counselor or psychotherapist with special training in addiction. “Addiction counseling techniques often require counselors to be more directive and challenging,” he says. “Self-help groups like Gamblers Anonymous are good, but they are often not enough.

“Above all else, the gambler wants to stop gambling. The counselor will then work with the person to create a care plan to help them reach their goals. This may include transferring your credit or debit card to your loved one. This includes transferring money or prohibiting access to cash or bank accounts. If gamblers and drug abusers can find the right therapist, they can often get their lives back on track. So it's important to recognize that professional help is available and many people are getting their lives back to normal.”

Breaking the gambling cycle is difficult, but with the help and support of family friends, medical professionals, and addiction counselors, addiction can be managed.

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