Gambling Addiction and Mental Health: Analysis and Intervention

This report delves into the critical issue of gambling addiction and its profound impact on mental health. It begins by defining gambling and its addictive nature, highlighting the various motivations and consequences associated with it. The report identifies the target problem as gambling addiction and its adverse effects on mental well-being, including anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. It then examines the target population, primarily adults, and analyzes the factors that contribute to gambling addiction, such as financial pressures, the desire for excitement, and psychological vulnerabilities. The report explores relevant psychological theories, particularly behavior theory, to understand the development of gambling addiction and its impact on behavior and mood. Finally, it discusses potential intervention strategies to address gambling addiction and its associated mental health problems, offering insights into effective treatment approaches and support systems.

Gambling Addiction and
Mental Health

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
Target Problem............................................................................................................................1
Target Population.........................................................................................................................3
Intervention..................................................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION
Gambling can be described as betting on the wagering for something valuable or money
(Gainsbury, (2015)). There are various reasons for people for gambling and active participation
in gambling games and activities will lead to addiction of gambling. Active participation of
individual in gambling is due to the buzz, high adrenaline release and excitements. Motive of a
person of gambling is to win some valuable good or material or money. Gambling activity have
various side effective and it can lead to mantel illness. There are many people who play
gambling for fun but obsession of this can lead to various serious consequences. There are
number of issues and problems associated with gambling and obsession of a person towards
betting. This report is based on gambling addiction and mental health. In this report different
issues and problem related to gambling addiction is determined and targeted population who is
affected by this problems is analysed properly. This report will include specifies issues and
problematic pollution that is affected by gambling problem. Apart from this different
intervention regarding gambling addiction and mental problem is evaluated in this report.
MAIN BODY
Critically analyse the relevant literature
Target Problem
As per the views of Mayo Clinic (2020), it can be determined that gambling is a very
serious problem. Addiction of gambling is the main problems that can have impact on behaviour
attitude and mental health of an individual. Targeted problem is gambling addiction and its
impact on mental health. Gambling is first consider as game for fun for individual and obsession
of gambling activity will lead to have affect on mental condition. Gambling activity will lead to
have major impact on mental health. These activities are drastically increasing and this will lead
to major negative impact on human life (George, Velleman, R and Nadkarni, (2017)). This will
lead to various serious consequences and affect the mental condition and stability of an
individual. As per the views of Dan Glimne, 2020, Addition of gambling can be from different
types of game such as betting on sports, roulette, poker, scratch cards, slots in casino, online
game and so on (Gambling, (2020)). Targeted problem is the gambling activities as well as its
impact on mental health of an individual. For this group of people who have addicted to
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gambling activities is considered and proper intervention for resolving this issues will be
identified. As per the article of Be Gamble aware, (2020)This can have major effective on
relationship as well as financial condition of a gambler. There are various issues and problem
that is associated with addition of obsession of gambling (UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT
GAMBLING, (2020)). This can be describe as the pathological gambling or gambling disorder
or compulsive gambling, This is the issues when gambler is not able to control impulse of
gamble when it has major negative consequence of loved ones (Nower, L and et.al., 2018). In
simple words, gambling problem is the behaviour of a person towards gambling activity which
disrupts their life. In this person will be spend more and more money on gambling actives and
chasing losses. Addition of gambling is associated with the behaviour of a person or mood
disorders. Gambling become serious problem when player spend more money on gambling
activities as compare to their affordability. When a person is spending more time in gambling
practice as well as avoiding other important task that gambling is the major problem as this can
affect person behaviour and their lifestyle. For example when a person become depressed and
over excited in gambling game then this can turn into major issues that will affect life and mental
health of a person.
According to the article of medical News Today (2020), it has been analysed that there
are various issues and problem that is associated with gambling and this problem will lead to
have major impact on personal and professional life of an individual. In gambling a person is
ready to risk their life and other valuable thing which the hope of getting better (Hayer and
Griffiths, ( 2015)). Gambling will lead to major losses and affect the personality and relationship
with others. Obsession of gambling will lead to have major impact on mental health or disorder.
This will lead to increase in abuse problems and personality disorder (What's to know about
gambling addiction, 2020). According to the article of PsychGuides.com, (2020) gambling will
have serious affect on mental condition of an individual and it will lead to anxiety or depression.
This problem is also associated with bipolar disorder, attention deficits or hyperactivity disorder
or obsessive compulsive disorder. Obsession of gambling will lead to influence family and
friends. This will affect their life and personality too (Compulsive Gambling Symptoms, Causes
and Effects. (2020)).
Discussion of theoretical factors that affect the development of the target problem
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As per the views of Addiction center, (2020) There are different theory that is useful in
analysing and evaluating the development of gambling problem with in an individual. This is
very serious issues as this will lead to have major impact on personality traits and life style of a
person. It is crucial to identify and analyse all those factors which is affect person to be more
interested in gambling (What Is a Gambling Addiction? (2020)). There are several factors which
drive a person towards development of gambling addition in a person and this will lead to have
impact on mental health of a person (Chóliz, (2016)). There are different theory that will help in
identify and analyse the target problem. Psychological theory is one of the effective theory that
will support in analysing and evaluate the impact of mental health of a person in development of
gambling additions. Psychological theory is classified into different theory which will support in
identifying and analysing different factors that lead to growth and development of gambling
activities with in a person. Behaviour approach of psychological theories are mention below in
order to evaluate the attitude and mental aspect of a person which is obsessed towards gambling
activities.
Behaviour theory
There are different theories that will help in understanding and analysing the major ises
that is faced by targeted problem. Behaviour theory is one of the significant theory which will
assist in determining different behaviour aspects of a person who is addicted to gambling
activities. This is very effective and efficient theory in order to analyse the major reason why a
person is acting or reacting in certain manner. Behaviour theory is a psychological approach that
will support in proper and effective investigation. Respective theory is majorly concerned with
the different aspects of a person in which they are behaving and lead to observe the stimulus
response (King and Delfabbro, ( 2016)). As per the views of The Ranch Tennessee, (2020), A
person who is addicted towards gambling activity will have major issues and problem in
controlling their behaviour towards controlling gambling. Addiction of gambling game and
participation in these activities will lead to change the behaviour of a person and they will
consider gambling activities as the most important activities. Due to this they will forget about
other important task or ignore urgent and crucial activities for participating in gambling.
According to this theory it has been understand that a gambling addicted person will deal with
extreme emotion or changes in mood due to gambling activities. This game is based in financial
profit and losses which will directly impact over attitude and behaviour of a person. When a
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person is winning game then they tend to be happy but losses in gambling will make them feel
depressed and anxious. More participation in gambling or betting activity will lead to make it
more difficult for a person to get over this issues. Feeling of achievement more is major factor
that will lead to drive the behaviour of a person towards development of this issues and problem.
According to behaviour their person will develop gambling addition in order to full fill their
needs or requirement. It has been analysed the human needs can not be completely satisfied
(Gambling Addiction Often Co-Occurs With Other Disorders, (2020)). When a person achieve
one thing then their behaviour move to accomplishment of other things. This is a never ending
process which lead to increase in gambling obsession in a person. Through this theory
sophisticated understanding of different factors that lead to increase in addition of gambling as
well as issues that is associated with this problems are determined. Behaviour and attitude of
gambling addicted person is changing due to enjoy and depression due to gambling gaming
practices. Person attitude towards their friends and family will be changes and this lead to have
impact on relationship of a person. Gambling practices is the first and most important priority of
a person who is addicted to gambling activities.
Target Population
As per the views of HelpGuide, (2020), it has been determined that there are many people
who are addicted to gambling or betting activities. Targeted population that is affected by
gambling addiction are Adults. This includes those entire people who are above age 18 and have
understanding about gambling activities. It has been analysed that targeted population that is
addicted to gambling are those people who are under adult category as well as have some money
or other thing to participate in gambling activities. These people are majorly adult person who is
more active in gambling activities or game. It is important to identify and analyse the targeted
population that is majorly included in gambling obsession as this will support in identify issues
of problem is easily (Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling, (2020)). There are many
reasons for getting addicted to gambling problem and some of the major reason is fun or lack of
financial amount. Adults who have money take participate in gambling activities for fun and
their interest in these activities will lead to addition of gambling. Individual who is majorly
attracted towards lottery in order to enhance their experience of life will have high chances of
getting addicted to gambling. As per the views of Scientific American, (2020), there are many
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people who enjoy playing roulette or betting on different sports such as football have are
considered as the population which is addicted to gambling or betting (Clark, (2015)). There are
many person who is addicted to gambling and betting activities because they are facing financial
issues and with the motive of earning more money they invest in gambling activities (How the
Brain Gets Addicted to Gambling, (2020)). There are very less chance of earning money though
gambling and lose in this will lead to make person more desirable to participate in gambling
activity. A person become obsessed with gambling due to urge of earning money and other
valuable things. Player will be more interested in gambling activity in order to earn more bonus
and they want to try until and unless they get their desired rewards or amount.
The impact the target problem has on the target population.
As per the views of a mental health foundation, (2020), there are some major complication
that is related to gambling addiction and mental health problem (Gambling and mental health,
2020). There are various issues and problems that is faced by targeted population that is adults
that is due to gambling addiction and mental health. It is very important to understand and
analyse issues in order to reduce the problems that is faced by targeted population. These issues
and problem of gambling is mention below in detail.
 Relationship problems – As per Wendy Whitehead, (2020), Increase gambling problem
will lead to have impact on personal and professional relationship of a person. It is very
important for identify and analyse this problem at right time and take correct treatment in
order to resolve this problem (What Are the Effects of Gambling Addiction on
Mental Health, (2020)). Gambling will includes conflicts and issues with family and
friend and this increase loneliness.
 Financial issues or bankruptcy – Due to gambling a person will give their money and
other valuable thing in betting and other gambling activity (Tomei, Besson and Grivel,
(2017)). This will lead to have direct impact on financial condition of a person. In
addition of gambling a person will put their available money on gambling with the hope
of earning more. Losses in this can lead to bankruptcy of person and they will have to
deal with serious financial issues.
 Job loss – It is very important for a person to perform better in their job in order to get
stable financial resources and career growth. Addition of gambling will lead to have
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impact on performance of business activity (Murch and Clark, (2016)). Due to increase in
interest in gambling activity or obsession in betting will affect focus of person form their
professional career.
 Poor health condition – According to American Psychiatric association (2020),
Gambling will lead to have direct impact on physical and mental health problem.
Gambling addition will lead to increase in various health problems such as depression,
anxiety and many more. This will lead to poor health condition of person and due to lack
of money person will not be able to get proper treatment at right time (What is Gambling
Disorder?, 2020).
 Suicide or suicide attempts – According to Lisa Martin (2020), In gambling there is
high chances of getting more losses includes money and relationship. This will lead to
rise in suicidal thoughts and there are high chances that a person will attempt suicide.
Addition of gambling will lead to lose of life of a person ('This is a mental health issue':
the devastating impact of problem gambling. (2020)).
All of these are the major issues that is associated with gambling problem. This is one of the
major issues and this can happen to any person. It is very important that person realise the
problem and overcome this issues in correct time.
Intervention
This can be describe as the process of intervening that will support a gambling addicted
person to get over this issues as well as live a better and healthy life.
Rationale for group intervention
This refer as the intervention that is done in order to identify and analyse the problem of
individuals. The aim of group intervention is to identify and analyse people problem by
encouraging them to be more open towards their issues as well as share their own experience
with other. This is very effective method of intervention of people problem and issues as well as
support in overcoming this issues in correct and effective manner. Rationale for group
intervention is very useful in order to identify the reason why a person is addicted towards
gambling activities as well as analysing what problem or issues faced by person due to gambling.
In the process of group intervention different people who is facing similar type of issues and
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problem are combined together (Fauth‐Bühler, Mann and Potenza, 2017). This will make easy
for a person to express and share their issues with other. This might lead to finding solution to
the problem and take corrective measures.
Discussion of interventions
As per USC Suzanne, (2020), It is very important for intervening gambling obsessed
person in correct and effective manner in order to resolve these issue and problems (Drawson
and et.al (2017)). There are different types of treatment that will help a person to overcome
gambling addition. The major methods are mention below –
Psychotherapy and counselling – This is consider to be effective way of influencing
and guiding a person who is dealing with gambling issues and problem (). This is a very long and
complex process which is very time consuming as counsellor and psychotherapist have to
determine actual reason of gambling. They will be able to identify and analyse the major reason
in a person for developing addition of gambling (Turner and et.al. (2018)). Through this major
issues and factor are identified. This treatment will lead to motivate a person to overcome
addition of gambling as well as taking correct action. Counselling and psychotherapy is very
useful treatment for a person to overcome this issue and enjoy their life (How to Stage an
Intervention for a Loved One with a Gambling Problem, (2020)).
Group support – This refer to the support of group of people in order to overcome
gambling issues. There are many people such as family member and friends that can support a
person on recovering from gambling issues. In group support all of the people who are close to
gambling addicted person will support them in order to overcome this issues and live a better
and healthy life. Love and support from close family member and friend will assist in motivating
person to deal with this issue fast. Group support can be done by providing proper care and love
to person who is dealing with this issue. It does not guaranty success in resolving issues of
gambling and it can have negative impact on relationships.
Residential facilities – According to John Dicey (2020), This can be describe as the
treatment that will support a gambling addicted person to overcome issues as well as resolving
there problem by identifying factors that lead to increase in gambling activities (Morrison and
Wilson, (2015)). This intervention is a very costly and time taking method which can not be
affordable for every person. Residential facilities treatment refer as the treatment centre that is
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specifically developed in order to help people who is dealing with gambling issues as well as
providing proper assistance to person for overcoming this issues (Can you cure a gambling
addiction?, (2020)). This intervention is a very useful way of overcoming this issues. In
residential facilities gambling addicted person is kept in specific residential area which include
other gambling addicted person. In this all facility and treatment is provided to person in order
to support them for overcoming this problem.
Processes for evaluation
According to Polly Mackenzie, (2002) Process for evaluation can be describe as the
overall process which is consider by person in order to identify and analyse the growth and
development. Evaluation process is very effective way of determine the changes in person who is
addicted to gambling activities (Mental health and gambling, (2020)). This process will lead to
record changes in person as well as analysing which method was more effective in order to
overcome issues of gambling (King and Delfabbro, (2016)). There are different phases that is
includes in process of evaluation such as planning, implementation and completion stage. In
planning proper plan is developed that will support in overcoming gambling addiction and in
implementation all set of strategies will be implemented in order to resolve the issues of
gambling. At last completion stage will lead to examine the outcomes with the set targets.
Reflection
By analysing and evaluating different aspects about gambling addiction and mental health
my knowledge about this problem is increased. I have understood that gambling addiction is
majorly dues to often participation of a person in gambling game and activities. Adult is the
targeted population that are majorly influenced by gambling practices. Losses and win in
gambling game will lead to affect behaviour of gambling addicted person. This can lead to have
major impact on a person and their mental health. I have determined that there is different
intervention and methods that will help person in overcome these issues.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that there are various issues and problems that
is associate with gambling. This is one of the major issue that is face by person and it is very
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difficult for a person to overcome these issue. It has been determined that there are various
factors that can lead to increase in gambling addition or obsession. This issues will lead to have
direct impact on mental health of a person. Behaviour theory is very effective framework that
will support in identifying and determine main reason of person addition towards gambling
activities. It is crucial that a person will get right and proper treatment in order to overcome these
issues and live better and healthy lifestyle.
REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Gainsbury, S. M. (2015). Online gambling addiction: the relationship between internet
gambling and disordered gambling. Current Addiction Reports, 2(2), 185-193.
Nower, L & et.al. (2018). Daily fantasy sports players: Gambling, addiction, and mental health
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Chóliz, M. (2016). The challenge of online gambling: the effect of legalization on the increase in
online gambling addiction. Journal of Gambling Studies, 32(2), 749-756.
King, D. L., & Delfabbro, P. H. (2016). Early exposure to digital simulated gambling: A review
and conceptual model. Computers in Human Behavior, 55, 198-206.
Clark, L. (2015). Commentary on: are we overpathologizing everyday life? A tenable blueprint
for behavioral addiction research. On the slippery slopes: the case of gambling
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Tomei, A., Besson, J., & Grivel, J. (2017). Linking empathy to visuospatial perspective-taking in
gambling addiction. Psychiatry research, 250, 177-184.
Murch, W. S., & Clark, L. (2016). Games in the brain: neural substrates of gambling
addiction. The Neuroscientist, 22(5), 534-545.
Cook, S. &et.al., (2015). Problem gambling among Ontario students: Associations with
substance abuse, mental health problems, suicide attempts, and delinquent behaviours. Journal of
Gambling Studies, 31(4), 1121-1134.
Fauth‐Bühler, M., Mann, K., & Potenza, M. N. (2017). Pathological gambling: a review of the
neurobiological evidence relevant for its classification as an addictive disorder. Addiction
biology, 22(4), 885-897.
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Blaszczynski, A. & et.al., (2016). Mental health and online, land-based and mixed
gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 32(1), 261-275.
van der Maas, M. (2016). Problem gambling, anxiety and poverty: an examination of the
relationship between poor mental health and gambling problems across socio-economic
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Manning, V., &et.al.,. (2015). Suicidal ideation and lifetime attempts in substance and gambling
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Morrison, L., & Wilson, D. (2015). A family affair: Indigenous women’s gambling
journey. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 13(4), 435-446.
Online
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