Gambling involves wagering something of value on a random event with the intention of winning something else of value. It can cause harm to gamblers’ health, finances and relationships. It can also lead to debt and even homelessness. Problem gambling is a serious problem with a high mortality rate. It can also lead to substance misuse and other mental illnesses. It can affect the ability to work and study, and it can have a negative impact on children’s development.
There are a number of key methodological challenges in measuring the impacts of gambling, particularly for social and personal effects. For example, it is difficult to measure the costs of emotional stress and relationship problems caused by gambling. These intangible costs are difficult to quantify in monetary terms and have been largely ignored by gambling impact studies. However, a public health approach could offer a solution to this issue by using health-related quality of life weights (known as disability weights) to measure these impacts.
If you are having trouble overcoming your gambling addiction, it is important to strengthen your support network. Talk to friends and family, or join a support group such as Gamblers Anonymous. It may also be helpful to speak to a therapist. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, can match you with a licensed and accredited therapist who specializes in gambling addiction. Take a free assessment and get started in as little as 48 hours. It’s completely free and confidential.
