Gamble responsibly during the holiday season

With many of us on a well-deserved break after a rough 2020, many are enjoying some time away at a resort or a day at the casino where the opportunity is there to gamble some spare cash.

Betting on games of chance is harmless fun for most people, however, it is important to be aware of the warning signs that could indicate a gambling use disorder.

Akeso psychiatrist Mike West said when people lose control over their gambling habits, it could be as addictive and destructive as using drugs.

“It is important to note that the vast majority of people who gamble do so for fun. Those who develop a gambling compulsion may be unable to acknowledge when they have lost control of their habit, which is often fuelled by the vain hope of a ‘big win’ to resolve gambling debts or to try and win back money that was meant for other obligations such as a home loan but was instead spent on gambling,” added West.

For people who gamble regularly, it is advisable to reflect honestly on your relationship with this pastime, and it may be helpful to consider this in light of the following seven questions which identify potential warning signs of a gambling use disorder:

• Do you conceal the extent of your gambling?
• Do you gamble to escape from life’s problems?
• Are you making increasingly larger bets, either in an attempt to make up for losses or for a thrill?
• When you aren’t gambling, do you feel irritable or depressed?
• Do you ‘crave’ gambling or spend a lot of time thinking about gambling?
• Have you had difficulties in the workplace because of gambling?
• Is your gambling negatively affecting your interpersonal relationships with family or friends?

He noted that if these questions resonated with your experience, he would recommend an in-depth assessment for gambling use disorder so that if there was a concern, it could be addressed.

“It is most important to note that there is no judgement in the process of assessment or treatment of mental health conditions, including gambling use disorder. Professional help is available and it is never too soon or too late to reach out.”

West noted that mental health facilities, such as Akeso, offered out-patient treatment for gambling use disorder, except where the individual required in-patient treatment for another co-morbid mental health condition such as depression or bipolar disorder, or a substance use disorder.

The National Responsible Gambling Programme offers an online self-assessment and a free service to assist individuals and families grappling with gambling use disorder.

Details: The National Responsible Gambling Programme 0800 006 008 or www.responsiblegambling.org.za