RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING COUNCIL
http://www.responsiblegambling.org/en/help/negativeimpacts.cfm
Negative impacts
Problem gambling can have a variety of negative impacts—on the individual, family and friends, and society as a whole. Some of these impacts may include:
For the Individual...
- Mental health problems- depression, anxiety, reduced self-worth, suicidal thoughts, increased alcohol or drug use, etc.
- Physical health problems– insomnia, headaches, back or neck pain, stomach upset, etc.
- Self-care problems– poor nutrition, sleep, personal hygiene, etc.
- Social problems– arguments, strained relationships, alienation, separation, divorce, physical or mental abuse, etc.
- Financial problems- loss of income, inability to pay bills, increased debt, bankruptcy, etc.
- Legal problems– arrests, incarceration (e.g., due to theft, fraud), etc.
- School or work problems- absenteeism, decreased productivity, etc.
For Family...
- Financial crisis- a huge financial burden is often put on the family members, sometimes leading to ongoing debt and property loss
- Being manipulated- into lending money to the person with a gambling problem
- Lying- covering up and making excuses for the gambler's behaviour
- Mental and emotional health problems- such as high levels of anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, resentment, embarrassment, exhaustion and self-doubt
- Physical health problems- insomnia, ulcers, digestive problems, headaches, neck and back pain and other stress-related health conditions
- Self-esteem problems- such as feelings of helplessness, being overwhelmed, insecurity and even feeling as though they are responsible for the gambling problem
- Relationship problems
- Role imbalance- such as children taking care of the parents, parents overprotecting their children, partners performing all of the household tasks that were previously shared and a lack of sexual and emotional intimacy between partners
- Verbal and physical abuse- which can lead to arguments, strained relationships, alienation, separation, divorce, loneliness and isolation
- Poor self-care- sometimes family members are so focused on the person with a gambling problem; they may neglect themselves and their needs
For friends and co-workers...
- Being manipulated- into lending money to the person with a gambling problem
- Lying- covering up and making excuses for the gambler's behaviour
- Verbal and physical abuse- which can lead to arguments and strained relationships
- Financial problems- money lent is often not repaid
- Ignoring changes in behaviouror attitude to avoid getting involved