person to gamble repeatedly .
Over time the brain becomes more resistant to dopamine , so a person may bet higher stakes to make it more exciting in the same way that someone may seek higher doses of a drug to experience the same high . Gambling disorder is a recognised diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR classification of mental health disorders , while the other tool used to help people identify if they have a gambling disorder is the PGSI score . This is a standardised measure of at-risk behaviour , based on the common signs and consequences of gambling . The tool can help someone make an informed decision on what steps to take next .
It ’ s recognised that some forms of gambling are more addictive than others , such as online slots and online casino
Many people associate gambling harms with financial distress , such as loss of earnings and debt , but there are other harms that should be considered . games , but all forms of gambling carry a level of risk and can be harmful . The product design of online games – namely their speed and frequency – increases the risk of a person becoming addicted . Some of these can be played every 2.5 seconds , which is much faster than if the person was playing in a casino or on a slot machine . Players can also place multiple bets on a single game or event , which provides more opportunities to gamble within a shorter period .
Many online games such as slots and casino games have unlimited stakes , so when combined with high speed of play it ’ s possible to risk large amounts of money in a very short period . There is evidence that higher stake limits are linked to higher rates of harm .
The impacts of gamblingrelated harms can vary from person to person and can be found in isolation or alongside other issues . Whilst many people associate gambling harms with financial distress , such as loss of earnings and debt , there are several other harms that should be considered . These include mental and physical harms , relationship harms , criminal activity and cultural harms .
Over the last two years , Adferiad have been piloting a treatment pathway for people experiencing complex co-morbidities and gamblingrelated harms . To date we ’ ve received more than 255
FEEDBACK
“
It was absolutely life changing for me ... the place , food and surroundings were all brilliant and the staff are amazing , every single one of them – so knowledgeable , compassionate and enthusiastic ! The programme has changed my outlook on life and myself . I ’ m very lucky to have been here . Thank you to you all ...” EH
“
I ’ ve been home from Parkland three weeks tomorrow – I was there for six weeks . It ’ s hard for me to put into words just how much coming to Parkland has changed my whole life . I walked in broken and I left a happy and confident woman with so much love and excitement for my future that I didn ’ t think or believe was possible . If you ’ re ready to change then go for it and put your heart and soul into taking advantage of everything that ’ s on offer . It ’ s not easy but it ’ s worth it to get your life back ... If you want to live instead of exist then I hope you make the best decision of your life because it really was mine . Oh and the food is amazing and the rooms and grounds are beautiful ... wishing anyone reading this strength , love and success in recovery ...” KM
referrals and treated over 150 people . The majority of those treated required a detox , with substances ranging from alcohol , cannabis and ketamine to cocaine , crack cocaine and heroin . This pathway is groundbreaking and offers people the chance of a seamless treatment pathway to help address their co-morbidities and gambling addiction .
Cheryl Williams is strategic lead of gambling-related and other harms at Adferiad
Adferiad is part of the National Gambling Support Network ( NGSN ), a network of providers that offer free and confidential treatment and support for people who are experiencing gambling harms . Contact : Cheryl . williams @ adferiad . org
|
between gambling addiction and substance use disorders . Individuals with gambling problems often have higher rates of alcohol and / or drug use . This comorbidity can worsen the overall impact on mental health , and make treatment more challenging .
3 . SUICIDAL IDEATION AND BEHAVIOUR Gambling addiction is associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours . The financial devastation and associated feelings of guilt and shame
|
can lead to severe emotional distress , making some individ uals feel that suicide is the only way out . According to a Swedish study from 2018 , individuals affected by gambling-related harms are up to 15 times more at risk of suicide than the general population .
4 . STRESS AND EMOTIONAL DISTRESS Chronic stress is a common consequence of problem gambling . The continuous worry about debts , hiding the addiction from loved
|
ones and the frequent highs and lows associated with gambling wins and losses contribute to a high-stress environment . This chronic stress can lead to other mental health problems , including severe anxiety and panic disorders .
5 . FAMILY AND SOCIAL IMPACT The social consequences of gambling can also affect mental health . Relationships with family and friends often deteriorate due to the behaviours associated with
|
gambling addiction , such as lying , borrowing money , or neglecting responsibilities . This social isolation can further contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression .
6 . IMPULSE CONTROL DISORDERS Gambling disorder itself is classified as an impulse control disorder . People with this disorder often exhibit poor impulse control , which can also manifest in other areas of life , leading to a broader spectrum of mental health issues .
|
WWW . DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS . COM JULY / AUGUST 2024 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 15