What is Gambling Addiction and How to Avoid it in Australia 2024
The problem of gambling addiction in Australia is unsettling, with tens of thousands of people suffering from the disease. But how and why does it happen that ordinary entertainment in the form of casino games becomes a torment for people and changes their lives for the worse? Learn about how not to become a victim of gambling addiction, how to figure it out at first, and who can help you if necessary.
What is gambling addiction?
To understand how to deal with gambling addiction, it is necessary to understand what it is. Pathological gambling addiction is nothing but a mental disorder characterized by an irresistible desire to participate in AU casino games. Players who suffer from this disorder permanently want to spin slots or play other games, despite the fact that it brings them mental, financial, and social problems.
When does gambling become a problem?
How do you know where that fine line is between when games bring pleasure and a good mood and when your life is on the verge of failure? It is important to trace the causes of gambling addiction, which is a full-fledged disease, at the moment of emergence to avoid in the long run deplorable consequences. Let’s analyze what can signal the development of game addiction.
- You constantly catch yourself thinking about games, analyzing previous gaming sessions, or thinking about upcoming ones. Analyzing your game mistakes or successes is not bad in itself, but when it fills all your thoughts, it is a bad sign;
- You are constantly increasing your bets, up to amounts that you can no longer quite afford, going beyond the planned budget;
- You can’t stop in time after a series of losses or successes. You constantly want to win back or keep winning, spending too much time in the game;
- You hide from your friends and family that you are gambling;
- You realize that games begin to hit your wallet, and you do not have enough money for some things that were enough before, so you borrow money for a new gaming session and deny yourself some needs to play;
- You start neglecting your work, studies, or family obligations in favor of gaming;
- You feel irritability, anxiety, or depression related to gaming or lack thereof.
How do I know if I have a gaming addiction?
The earlier you identify the signs of gambling addiction the easier it will be to get rid of it. If you recognize and acknowledge the fact that you may have it, it is already a big step towards solving the problem. Many addicts deny the fact of their disease and consider themselves healthy people, although their lives are going downhill. To determine if you have an addiction, you can take one of the medical tests.
| Name | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
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PGSI |
This test assesses addiction on nine items that address the behavior and consequences of gambling |
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GSAQ |
The test helps determine if there are signs of gambling addiction based on questions about behaviors and feelings |
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K10 |
This test aims to determine the level of mental stress that can often be associated with gambling problems |
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SOGS |
A 20-question test developed by medical professionals to identify problematic and pathological gambling behavior |
Why do people continue to gamble?
And yet why do many addicted players who do or do not understand their problems continue to play? For addicted gamblers, games become not just a recreational activity, but a way to cope with various internal and external problems.
- Psychological relief – Games can temporarily reduce stress by providing players with a false sense of relief;
- Social pressure – The support and approval of also addicted friends may encourage continued play of casino games;
- Financial Motivation – The hope of winning big and improving one’s financial situation;
- Pathological habit – Gambling can become a compulsive behavior and a mental disorder that is difficult to stop;
- Lack of alternatives – Some gamblers see no other way to enjoy themselves or to distract themselves from everyday problems.
Where can I get help for gambling addiction?
In no case should you despair, if you do have a gambling addiction, you need to fight it and get back into the normal rhythm of life. In Australia, there are many local and international programs of organizations that provide gambling addiction help to affected gamblers and their families.
- Gambling Help Online;
- National Council on Problem Gambling;
- Victoria Responsible Gambling Foundation;
- Queensland Responsible Service of Gambling;
- Responsible Gambling NSW.
Final words
Gambling addiction Australia statistics are quite sad, with tens of thousands of people in Australia affected by the disease. Many people take this issue lightly and think that this problem will go away. To avoid becoming one of the gambling addiction stories, you should play games wisely and not devote too much of your time and money to them. Remember that if you do fall victim to gambling addiction, there are plenty of places in AU that will not judge you and will provide you with expert help.
FAQ
Is it possible to recover from gambling addiction on your own?
In general, yes, but a more effective and proper solution is to go to a specialist who will counsel you and provide therapy.
Where can I get help?
There are many online resources that provide addiction help hotlines, educational materials, and more. You can also contact an organization in your community. For example, there is an organization called Responsible Gambling Help NSW and there are similar initiatives in other states and cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and others.
Does this mean that gambling is dangerous?
No, casino games are just as much a leisure activity as movies, TV shows, theatres, concerts, and so on. You can be just as addicted for one reason or another to TV series, for example. Any kind of entertainment should be approached sensibly and casino games are no exception.
What are the gambling addiction statistics Australia?
In Australia, about 1% of the adult population suffers from gambling addiction, which according to different calculations is from 50 to 150 thousand people.