How does Gambling affect your mental health? – CBT Kenya

Online Betting, Casinos, Lotteries and among others are some of the popular gambling activities we  have in Kenya. In the Gambling Act 2005 gambling is defined as betting, gaming or participating in a lottery. When you think of the effects of gambling, certain things spring to mind. Like financial worries, relationship difficulties and other serious issues. It might not happen straight away, which is probably why many people don’t understand the negative effects of gambling. But it’s worth being aware that gambling is not all about the money. It’s about how it can make you feel and act.

The effect of Gambling in our society

Gambling addiction occurs when a person continues to gamble despite negative effects that impact their finances, relationships and well-being. Studies have shown that more than $6 billion has been lost each year to gambling addictions. This problem is far-reaching and can cause both individuals and companies to panic and act in ways they would not normally act. People who struggle with a gambling or shopping problem often hide their issues out of shame and a desire for secrecy.

1. Gambling problems can happen to anyone from any walk of life. Your gambling goes from a fun, harmless diversion to an unhealthy obsession with serious consequences.
2. The lure of winning more than what you’re betting is addictive. Some gamblers wager anything from paychecks to their cars and homes. They make additional bets if they lose, trying to break even. Odds for some games are better than others, but the old saying, “The house always wins,” has truth to it.
3. Problem gamblers are more likely than others to suffer from low self-esteem, develop stress-related disorders,lack of sleep and appetite. Although a lot of people gamble to escape feelings of depression or other mental health problems, gambling can actually make these conditions worse.
4. Having a gambling problem can have a devastating impact on their relationships with other people, their friends and family. Arguing more with your partner or family, especially about money, budgeting and debt. Being preoccupied with gambling and finding it difficult to focus on other things.
5. Instead of spending time with partners and their family, or fulfilling commitments, gamblers may choose to spend their leisure time gambling. Often the gambler is convinced that they will be able to sort the problems out themselves, when in reality they need help to stop gambling.

Self-help for Gambling problems

For many problem gamblers, it’s not quitting gambling that’s the biggest challenge, but rather staying in recovery. The Internet has made gambling far more accessible and, therefore, harder for recovering addicts to avoid relapse. Below are a few ways you can do to help with your Gambling addiction.

• Do you gamble when you’re lonely or bored? Or after a stressful day at work or following an argument with your spouse? There are healthier and more effective ways of managing your moods and relieving boredom, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble.
• Join a peer support group. A key part of this group is finding a sponsor, a former gambler who has experience remaining free from addiction and can provide you invaluable guidance and support.
• It’s tough to battle any addiction without support, so reach out to friends and family. Try reaching out to colleagues at work, joining a sports team or book club, enroll  in an education class, or volunteering for a good cause.
• Set boundaries in managing money. To ensure the gambler stays accountable and to prevent relapse, consider taking over the family finances.

A word from CBT Kenya

Maintaining recovery from gambling addiction or problem gambling is still possible if you surround yourself with people to whom you’re accountable. One way to stop gambling is to remove the elements necessary for gambling to occur in your life and replace them with healthier choices.

Do you have a family member, friend or work colleague who is going through gambling addiction? Here at CBT Kenya, we have psychologists and therapist who are ready to have a talk with you. We are located at Kim’s Court, Theta Lane, Lenana road. Get in touch with us on +254 739 935 333/+254 756 454 585, email us on info@cbtkenya.org or visit our website for more details.