Watching Out for the Gambling Bug

There is a simple 20 question test whereby you can find out if you are addicted to gambling. The questions are simple and sound innocent, but the answers tell a story.

So why doesn't every gambler take the test on a regular basis to find out how he or she is doing?

The answer is that they don't take the test, neither do they think of going in search of help until the addiction hits a vital nerve or organ, meaning the bank account or the family structure. By then, of course, the crisis is upon them and help is ineffective.

New study
According to a study carried out at the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, the gamblers were ‘paralyzed by fear of public stigma and shame', and this prevented them from making any sensible moves. Pride and denial are also part of the equation.

The two-year study is a deep and wide one and covers many aspects of gambling addiction. The study also includes different examples of the outcome of gambling addiction, from broken homes to selling of assets to raise funds for further gambling to chase after losses.

The 300 odd people participants in the study were questioned as to the type and quality of the help that is available, their knowledge about how to look for help and the effectiveness of the help when they finally found it.

Not a minute too late
The main recommendation arising from the study is the encouragement of problem gamblers to seek help before their addiction hit a crisis. Other suggestions are increasing the awareness of problem gambling and raising awareness that help is available.