The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) estimates that one in five people with a gambling disorder will attempt to kill themselves, about twice the rate of other addictions. Whether attempted or completed, this can has devastating, life-long emotional effects on loved ones, spouses and children. Dec 14, 2017 Gambling, like any other addiction, has far reaching effects on one’s family and loved ones. The actions and consequences of a compulsive gambler in the family affects more than just the gambler. The impact level on the family depends on different factors such as how severe the problem is, how long it has gone on, how close the gambler is to. Nov 12, 2017 In fact, gambling addiction is one of the most destructive addictions in terms of the impact it has on the individual and those around him or her. The issue of how gambling addiction affects the family is one that often arises because this illness can have a devastating impact on so many individuals. How Does Gambling Addiction Begin? Oct 09, 2017 Spouses, parents, siblings and friends of problem gamblers, we hear you! At 800-GAMBLER, we offer the problem gambler and their loved ones support and connec. See full list on knowtheodds.org.

Gambling, like any other addiction, has far reaching effects on one’s family and loved ones. The actions and consequences of a compulsive gambler in the family affects more than just the gambler. The impact level on the family depends on different factors such as how severe the problem is, how long it has gone on, how close the gambler is to the family. The entire family suffers as a result of the behaviour of the addict, and the related effects may completely weaken family functioning to the verge of collapse. Here are some of the ways gambling can affect families.

Breakdown in Family Relationships

The bond among family members can be destroyed or seriously affected by the resulting stress and tension from dealing with a compulsive gambler. It becomes intensely difficult for the spouse, children and other family members to trust the gambler, and feelings of security and confidence are lost. Constant lies and manipulation, threats, coming home late, staying late nights, violence and domestic abuse all add up to the breakdown in family relationships. The gambler himself may also directly contribute to the growing family isolation by avoiding family and friends and being secretive in order to mask feelings of shame felt as his behaviour gets more and more out of control. There is a high rate of divorce and spousal abuse in families where one member is dealing with this type of addiction.

Problem Gambling Effects On Family Feud

Effects on the Children

A mother suffering from an addiction to gambling will naturally spend less time with her children as the addiction grows. Younger children may fail to comprehend the changing family situation and feel that they are somehow to blame. Studies show that children and teenagers living with and encountering the gambling behaviours of an addict may resort to gambling themselves. Young minds are affected when they constantly hear about big wins or big loses. Early exposure to gambling in the family may even cause children to develop even more addiction-related problems. Very often, adults who seek gambling addiction treatment or therapy say they picked up the habit at a very early age. Children of addicts have a high chance of suffering from depression, substance abuse issues and behavioural problems.

Financial Problems

Consistent losses from incontrollable gambling affect family finances. The situation is compounded when well-meaning family members, including the spouse try to ‘help out’ by lending the gambler money, pay their bills or bail them out of financial difficulties. Providing money to the gambler is simply enabling his or her behaviour, prolonging the addiction and blocking any chance of recovery. In the end, the financial problems may become too great and the family may have to declare bankruptcy. Also, the home may be forced into foreclosure. There is more than just money at stake whenever a family member is addicted to gambling and completely squandered the family money chasing losses. Bills can no longer be paid because the gambler cannot contribute financially to the family, and everyone suffers.

It is possible for a family that has been negatively affected by a loved one’s gambling addiction to recover. The different channels of help include therapists, treatment centres or support groups. Couples and family therapy for gambling addicts can also help to improve the family relationship that has been broken down by the addiction.

Financial problems

Individuals with a gambling disorder will exhaust all accessible monetary resources to satisfy their addiction. Exhausting savings, selling property, cashing-in stocks, borrowing on insurance policies, taking out loans are common and often happen quickly and without the knowledge of other facility members.

With every asset expended, families find themselves in severe financial crisis which leads to feelings of fear, frustration, anger and betrayal.

Emotional problems

Family members are often embarrassed to admit that a loved-one has a gambling problem. Shame, fear, betrayal, confusion, distrust are all emotional reactions that make life difficult. These difficulties carry over to every aspect of a family member’s life including their personal relationships, their work and interactions with other members of the family.

Gambling problems cause strong feelings. Family members may feel ashamed, hurt, afraid, angry, confused and distrustful. These feelings make it harder to solve problems. The person who gambles may even deny that there is a problem.

Isolation

To avoid the emotional stress of “putting on a face” in light of the many family issues caused by gambling, family members, particularly spouses, may simply avoid social situations. This compounds the problem by denying family members access to much-needed support from others. It’s common for family members to lose friends do to unpaid debts. They engage less in intellectual and cultural activities. And because of anger and resentment toward the addicted gambler, there is also no comfort from, or closeness to, the gambler, leaving the family member to struggle alone.

Physical and mental health

There is a strong connection between mental health and physical health. For both the individual with a gambling disorder as well as the family member, anxiety, depression and stress reactions are common. These issues when untreated can lead to poor sleep, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, muscle tension, high blood pressure and many other physical problems. Due to financial limitations, many never seeking help for these issues until they become severe.

Emotional Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

Family members often bear the brunt of supporting, encouraging and trying to aid the problem gambler. While giving so much care to another, self-neglect is common. Over time, the multiple burdens of prolonged financial problems, emotional problems and physical health problems can result in emotional burnout. Burnout is a state of chronic stress that results in physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, detachment, and in the worst cases, despair.

Emotional burnout may manifest as chronic fatigue, insomnia, problems with concentrating, loss of appetite, increased illnesses, anxiety, anger and depression.

Physical and Emotional Abuse

Family violence is more common when families are in crisis. Gambling problems can lead to physical or emotional abuse of a partner, elder parent or child. Children may be hurt due to pent-up anger. If this is happening in your family, get help right away. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, please contact the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline.

Suicidal thoughts and attempts

Problem Gambling Effects On Family Gatherings

No other addiction has as high a suicide rate as gambling. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) estimates that one in five people with a gambling disorder will attempt to kill themselves, about twice the rate of other addictions. Whether attempted or completed, this can has devastating, life-long emotional effects on loved ones, spouses and children. Further, family members facing isolation, panic, finical ruin, divorce, and despair are also at higher risks for suicide.

Problem Gambling Effects On Family Violence

For both the problem gambler and family members, risks for suicide are highest for those with a prior history of depression, past attempts or who misuse or abuse alcohol or other substances.