Problem gambling is a serious public health concern. It affects people of all ages, and can even lead to thoughts of suicide. Luckily, there are various treatments that can help people cope with this disorder. Aside from therapy, there are other resources available that can provide support and help to those who are struggling with their gambling habits. Listed below are some of those options. Using an online test for gambling is not the best way to determine if you have a gambling problem.
Problem gambling is a public health issue
In 1997, the New Zealand Ministry of Health published a report on the mental health of the population. The Peel Region Municipal Council in Canada published a similar report on gambling as a public health issue. Both reports have important implications for policymakers and communities, and are worth considering. However, problem gambling often remains a secret, largely because of stigma. Ultimately, we can’t ignore the problem and hope it will go away.
Recent research has focused on identifying causes and prevalence rates of gambling-related harm. But the question of whether gambling causes health harms should be the focus of public health policy has remained a contested one. While the industry has argued for regulation and industry cooperation, researchers have pointed out that the public health approach may offer substantial benefits. And the benefits are not limited to addressing problem gambling. It has been argued that gambling harms are also a public health issue, and are of global concern.
It affects people of all ages
Research has shown that problem gambling has a significant negative impact on individuals’ quality of life. In a recent study, it was found that over 60 percent of problem gamblers had been out of paid employment for more than one month. Thirty percent of these problem gamblers had received social benefits within the past year. Although this lack of employment is not necessarily related to gambling, the literature indicates that problem gamblers’ work performance is worse than the average. In many cases, this resulted in criminal activity at work.
Research also reveals that problem gambling is more prevalent in certain races and ethnic groups. While there is no evidence to support this claim, it is believed that certain ethnic groups are more likely to develop gambling problems than others. In addition, Asian and Hispanic people are at a higher risk for gambling problems than other ethnic groups. This is a clear indication that understanding the genetics of problem gambling can help prevent future problems and help a person recover from a dependency on it.
It can lead to thoughts of suicide
Problem gamblers have a greater risk of thinking about suicide than non-gamblers. This risk is increased by a factor of six, and it’s five times greater than that of people with no sign of problem gambling. However, these odds are not so high that gambling is the sole cause of suicidal thoughts. Problem gamblers also have higher rates of depression and other psychiatric disorders.
The relationship between gambling and suicidality is complex, but there’s some information available. A recent report from GambleAware and the Gambling Commission explores the relationship between gambling and suicidality. Researchers present findings and recommendations for improved support to help those who are suffering from suicidal thoughts. The findings support previous research on gambling and suicide. A psychological autopsy study may be an excellent way to explore the relationship between gambling and suicidality.