Gambling addiction is a severe mental illness that impacts millions of Americans. It shares many similarities to substance abuse disorders like cocaine or alcohol addiction, and can be treated just as successfully.
Legal sports betting has caused concern that young people could develop an addiction to it. This worry has been confirmed by an uptick in helpline calls since legalization across several states.
Identifying Problematic Behaviors
Identification of problematic behaviors is a crucial aspect of problem gambling recovery, as well as pinpointing any underlying psychological issues that could have contributed to the addiction.
Since the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling legalizing sports betting last year, counselors and mental health professionals have seen an uptick in requests for treatment. According to Mike Buzzelli of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, there has been a dramatic spike in younger men aged 25-35 seeking assistance.
He believes this is because sports betting can often serve as a form of escape for young people dealing with traumatic events. He believes it could potentially lead to compulsive behavior and addiction.
People with gambling issues often struggle to maintain control of their behavior and may resort to riskier tactics like embezzlement or fraud in order to fund their habit. Furthermore, they may have trouble paying their bills, leading them into legal troubles which could ultimately result in bankruptcy or other financial issues.
Identifying Recurring Problems
Sports betting is a popular form of gambling that involves investing money into a team, player or event and getting paid if the predicted result occurs. Common bets include moneylines, spreads and parlays.
Slot machines differ from other forms of gambling in that there is some skill involved. However, if you find it difficult to regulate your behavior and consistently lose large sums of money, then it could be indicative of a gambling disorder.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with a sports betting addiction, there are several signs that they might need assistance.
Recognizing gambling problems in someone you care about can be challenging, but if you are worried about their behavior, it is essential to seek help and get informed.
Since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to legalize sports betting, there has been an uptick in calls, texts and chats seeking help from gambling addiction helplines across America. According to data compiled by the National Council on Problem Gambling, calls have increased 43 percent year-over-year in 2021 compared to 2018.
Managing Disruptive Behaviors
Sports betting is on the rise, and if done to excess can have serious social, psychological and physical repercussions. To minimize damage from gambling habits, it’s important to understand yourself or someone you care about best and how to keep them under control. To successfully manage gambling, the best approach is to seek professional assistance. This is especially crucial if the gambler has children or pets. Combatting gambling issues is an emotional battle, and seeking professional assistance from a qualified therapist or family member can be invaluable in alleviating stress and minimizing the potential damage that could ensue. Fortunately, there is no shortage of reliable providers if you need it.
Managing Addiction
Sports betting has become a widely-popular form of gambling in the United States, but it comes with numerous drawbacks. These can range from social, psychological and financial difficulties to legal complications and even suicide.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with sports betting, it’s essential to recognize the signs of addiction and seek treatment. Doing so can save you from losing money and harming your mental wellbeing in the long run.
Here are some telltale signs of a sports betting addiction:
Loss Of Control
Individuals suffering from sports gambling addiction will find it difficult to reduce or cease their behavior. They tend to spend excessive amounts of money without rhyme or reason and neglect other responsibilities in life free sportsbook bet no deposit.
Neglecting Relationships
Someone suffering from sports betting addiction will have difficulty maintaining relationships with friends and family. Furthermore, they may attempt to conceal their gambling activities from those closest to them.