The government recent brutal take on the betting firms in Kenya has been received in diverse views and points by the nation especially the youth who are majority culprits of the same.
The revelation by the Interior CS Fred Matiangi that many youth die because of the same is well founded and the debts that are owed to lending institutions is increasing day after another raising eyebrows on what ought to be done to control the menace.
Currently, Gambling addiction is a serious brain disease. It can affect how a person develops a fetish for various forms of gambling. In some cases, it is inseparable and often dangerous. Unfortunately, the addicts put gambling activities at the top of their priority list. They think about it all the time and fantasize what the next move will bring for them.
Such preoccupation may lead to catastrophic results. Understandably, this puts an enormous strain on many parts of their life. For example, their job, school performance, money status, and relationships.
These days, online gambling is a new emerging form of the addiction. Tragically, it has taken the lives of many individuals. Of course, this is particularly a dreadful situation.
It is especially considering a perennial access to the internet these days. To make things worse, you do not have to leave your couch to start trying your luck. Various websites provide such facilities and lure you into the abyss.
Some gambling addiction signs are very much like other types of addiction. On the other hand, most of them are very specific.Keeping it a secret
Money issues,inability to stop-the person who is a gambler is aware that their behavior is bad. However, they are unable to stop by themselves, irritability caused by family and friend when they express their concerns,anxiety when not gambling, depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts,insomnia caused by depression, drug and alcohol addiction, financial problems among many others.
Some causes of gambling and betting include;To get that adrenaline rush that comes with taking extreme risks, as a means of socializing with other people or just for the fun of it, for the challenge. Some people enjoy being tasked with the objective of beating the house or to display their skill.
Others use it as a means of escape from the drudgery of life or loneliness while others practice it to address specific financial problems. Sometimes, gambling seems like the last resort to tackle pressing financial issues.
Most individuals with a gambling addiction are young and middle-aged men. Often, gambling addiction starts with financial problems. The person struggling with money problems sees gambling as an opportunity. As a result, they think this will solve their financial problems.
Another cause of this terrible condition is the search for the excitement. You get this sensation of high, very much like taking drugs. Also, being a successful gambler brings its perks such as social status and wealth.
At the same time, there might be other factors that can trigger gambling addiction. It might be mental health problems like bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and ADHD.
Personality traits may also be the cause of addiction. For example, some people are in constant search for excitement and thrill.
Unlike the other forms of addiction, it does not produce an immediate physical sign. For this reason, an early detection may not an easy task for their friends and family members. Recognizing it at an early stage takes a lot of effort. Watch for the following signs in your loved ones.
It is not easy to recognize the effects of gambling and betting in an addicted person bu these could be good indicators;
Loss of a large amount of money that you cannot relate to a specific situation,asking for monetary help time and again,previous or current diagnosis of other mental disorders. For example, anxiety and depression. In addition, a known history of a suicide attempt without an obvious cause. Therefore, this could be a strong indicator of the gambling problems.
Recent money problems, strained relations and sliding performance at college or office, involvement in theft or other criminal activities to fund their gambling activities. In fact, it may result in a legal charge against them.
Providing illogical reasons for their increasing need of money. Some may lie or attempt to hide their activities.
Gambling addiction is not just a single monolithic condition. There are many ranges of the spectrum. However, for someone to be said to be addicted to gambling, he must exhibit some certain traits, characteristics, and signs of gambling addiction.
New members of Gambling Anonymous sessions are usually asked a series of 20 questions and those that answer yes to 7 or more of these questions are generally considered to be gambling addicts or to have a gambling problem.
The effects of gambling could be worse and detrimental but these are likely going to be the major ones.
The effects of gambling addiction may range anywhere from a loss of money to suicide. In addition, they may ruin almost every aspect of life. For example, relationships, academic or office performance, self-image, self-esteem, behavior, and social responsibilities. Typically, the effects during the withdrawal period include certain conditions. They include strong urges, restlessness and worsening of pre-existing mental disorders.
Suicide: For a few addicts, suicide may be the only way out. That way, they set themselves away from mounting loans and debts. In other cases, they may take such self-destructive step due to depression or a fear of legal charges.
Addiction and habit are totally different. In fact, an addiction is a dangerous disease. It needs a treatment just like any other disease. You can expect a full recovery with the right treatment.
However, using the following tips may help to make an early diagnosis of the problem.
Give an attention to the pattern, frequency and progression of the typical signs. That way, you may be able to separate an addiction from a lack of self-control. In addition, it may point out certain problems with impulsive actions.
Talk to them in a friendly manner so that they do not feel offended.Once you confirm the problem, take them for a professional consultation. Then, addiction experts can suggest you the way ahead.
In the meantime, ask them to stay away from other friends with the same problem. Help them follow a healthy routine. It may include some exercise sessions, balanced diet, and quality sleep.
Stay close to them, listen to their problems and comfort them. Meanwhile, tell them the success stories of other problems who are clean now.