Gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder is a hidden epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s a silent predator that lurks in the shadows of casinos, online betting sites and even family game nights, preying on vulnerable individuals who become ensnared in a vicious cycle of hope and despair. With its innocent sounding nickname, ’the fun disease’, gambling addiction masquerades as a harmless indulgence, but in reality, it’s a serious psychological condition that can ravage lives, relationships and bank accounts, leaving behind a trail of financial, emotional and social devastation.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), approximately 2 million adults in the United States suffer from gambling addiction, with many more at risk. A 2016 study found that 37% of adult men in Kampala have placed bets in the past years. 79% of gamblers interviewed said that their primary motivation for betting was to get money, while only 15% said they did it for fun. Gambling addiction can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or socioeconomic status.
It is defined by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders(DSM-5) as a mental health condition that meets at least four of the following criteria within a 12 month period;
Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement.
Restlessness or irritability when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling.
Lying to hide gambling behavior.
Continued gambling despite negative consequences like debt, relationship problems.
Chasing loses(gambling to try recoup lost money)
Stealing or committing illegal acts to finance gambling.
Neglecting responsibilities for example work, family, hobbies due to gambling.
Paula’s life was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, all centered around her addiction to gambling. She would win big, feel on top of the world and then lose everything in a bid to relive the rush. Paula was married to a famous billionaire who gave her money whenever she requested, little did he know she spent all the money in the famous Kampala casino while gambling. Her situation was so bad to the extent that she gave in her children’s school fees and sold the beautiful Mercedes Benz her lovely husband bought for her. This addiction was surely eating her up! She had promised herself she would stop, but the allure of the casino was too strong. She had to lie to her family and friends, borrow money and even steal to feed her habit.
Paula’s relationships crumbled, her job suffered and her finances were in shambles. Yet, she couldn’t resist the siren song of the slot machines and the thrill of the porker table. One day, Paula hit rock bottom. She went with her friends to the casino, gambled all the money she had left and lost the game. She was so devastated that her friends bought her lots of alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs all in the name of making her feel better. She woke up in a hospital bed, with no memory of how she got there. Her family had staged an intervention and she finally sought help. With therapy and support, Paula slowly rebuilt her life. She learned to confront her demons and find new joys in life. She gained self-awareness and identified triggers like people, emotions, situations that led her to gamble hence avoiding them. Paula also learnt healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety that could lead to gambling on top of taking medications like antidepressants. She learnt to share her struggles with trusted friends and asking them to hold her accountable. It wasn’t easy, but she slowly rediscovered herself, free from the grip of gambling addiction.
Paula had to fight this addiction through seeking professional help where she was asked to join a rehabilitation program. She also identified the triggers to gambling such as emotions, situations and her friends which she controlled and successfully managed to overcome. Since she was a changed person, she started practicing self-care through keeping herself busy with work, exercising instead of gambling. Whenever she felt outweighed by the urge of gambling, she took anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs that were prescribed by her doctor. Paula also chose to confide in a trusted friend with whom she shared her struggles and requested to hold her accountable for each one of them. Lastly, she joined a support group (Gamblers Anonymous), an online support group which provides a safe space to share experiences and receive support. These ways of overcoming addictions are highly applicable to any other forms of addictions.
Remember, gambling addiction is not a moral failing, but a treatable condition. By shedding light on this hidden epidemic, we can work together to create a safer and more supportive environment for those struggling with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There is hope for a brighter, healthier future, one that’s free from the grip of gambling addiction.
