Contact for Addiction

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Highlights

  • Playing constantly without a care for the amount of money lost
  • Loss of interest in day-to-day activities including a poor work ethic and a reduced social life
  • Resurgence of other addictions or mental illnesses

Summary

The majority of gamblers can enjoy gambling as a fun, relaxing pastime. However, not everyone is able to enjoy it in this way. Betting is very easily addictive, which means that there's a lot of risk involved especially as it's generally luck-based. Not only can gambling cause financial issues, but mental health problems too. So, it's always better to get help sooner rather than later.

What is a gambling addiction?

While gambling can be fun, it can also develop into a problem. Of course, for most of us, we all hope that when we play online those wins will turn into a big jackpot win. But, if this is the way you are thinking when you gamble, then this can result in a loss of money instead. It is at this point that gambling addiction can set in as players strive to win back the money that has been lost.

Addicts suffer from compulsive urges to gamble every day. Often, they will not actually realise that gambling is taking over and that they are neglecting their work or social life. Additionally, the money being spent goes unnoticed, which can result in hundreds or thousands of dollars being lost on a monthly basis.

But why does it happen? Often, those who get addicted often have other addictions or a history of mental illness. Gambling is an entertainment and a way of distracting from negative feelings – at least for a time. Winning, and winning big, is also seen as key to their success, and must be achieved at all costs.

How can you break the cycle?

The problem is that this type of addiction can become a cycle. With a win, the gambler is fulfilled and wants to play more – the highs are really great. But, then a loss comes around and the player has to chase that loss. And the cycle starts over. This simply compounds the problem.

However, there are ways that you can break this cycle and get out of this type of addiction. Of course, the first step is recognising that there is an issue in the first place. Once that step has been reached, then there are a number of options available to get help.

These include self-excluding from any casinos that you are signed up to. By self-excluding, you prevent yourself from accessing the games at the casino you have joined. This can help to, more forcefully, break the cycle that you have created.

What You Can Do

If you think you, or someone you know, has a gambling addiction, then we recommend seeking help. There are a number of different helplines and support options for Australian players and some of these include:

At the end of the day, it’s important to get help. It’s nothing to be ashamed about. But, it’s better to seek help sooner rather than later. You can read more about gambling addiction here.