Pathful gambling, also known as gambling addiction, is a psychological disorder that is characterized by the uncontrollable need to gamble and bet money, despite the negative consequences that this may entail. This addiction can have serious repercussions on the lives of those who suffer from it, affecting their physical, emotional, social and economic health.
The relationship between gambling addiction and addiction suicide
Pathful gambling not only involves problems with gambling addiction itself, but is also strongly related to other mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These disorders can worsen over time, especially when the person does not seek help to treat their gambling addiction. In extreme cases, gambling addiction can lead to suicidal thoughts and, unfortunately, acts of suicide.
Factors that contribute to the relationship between gambling addiction and suicide
There are several factors that contribute to the relationship between gambling addiction and suicide. can contribute to a person with gambling addiction having a higher risk of suicide:
- Financial problems: Gambling addiction involves constant spending of money on gambling, which can lead to unsustainable debts and serious economic problems. Financial pressure and the feeling of not being able to control the situation can trigger suicidal thoughts in those who suffer from gambling addiction.
- Emotional problems: Gambling addiction often hides underlying emotional problems, such as depression or anxiety. These untreated mental disorders can worsen over time, increasing the risk that the person will consider suicide as a way out of their suffering.
- Social isolation: Gambling addiction can lead to that the person distances himself from his social circle, either out of shame, guilt or because he dedicates all his time to gambling. Social isolation can increase feelings of hopelessness and loneliness, important risk factors for suicide.
- Impulsivity: People with gambling addiction often act impulsively, risking their money and their well-being in compulsive gambling. This same impulsivity can lead to hasty decisions, such as taking one's own life, without measuring the consequences of that irreversible act.
Psychological approach to problem gambling to prevent suicide
It is essential that people with gambling addiction receive an appropriate therapeutic approach to prevent suicide. Some psychological strategies that may be useful in this regard include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: This therapeutic approach focuses on identifying and modifying negative thoughts and behaviors associated with gambling addiction. Helps the person develop strategies to control their impulses, manage stress and deal in a healthy way with the emotional problems that underlie their addiction.
- Group therapy: Participate in therapies Group work with other people who also suffer from gambling addiction can be beneficial, as it allows you to share experiences, receive mutual support, and feel understood by those who are going through similar situations.
- Psychiatric care: In some cases, it may be necessary to resort to psychiatric medication to treat mental disorders such as depression or anxiety that coexist with gambling. It is important that the prescription of medications be supervised by a mental health professional.
- Social support network: Have a support network made up of family, friends or healthcare professionals. Health is essential in the process of recovery from gambling addiction. Feeling supported and accompanied on the path to rehabilitation can be key to preventing relapses and crisis situations that increase the risk of suicide.
Importance of early detection and timely intervention
Early detection of gambling addiction and timely intervention are essential to prevent this addiction from becoming an even more serious problem, such as suicide. It is crucial that mental health professionals are trained to identify the signs and symptoms of gambling addiction and provide the necessary support to those who suffer from it.
In addition, it is important to raise awareness in society about the risks associated with gambling. gambling addiction and the importance of seeking professional help if you suspect that a loved one is struggling with this addiction. Prevention and education are powerful tools in the fight against problem gambling and its devastating consequences, such as suicide.
In summary, problem gambling is a disorder that can have serious implications for mental health and well-being. of those who suffer from it. The relationship between problem gambling and suicide is a painful reality that highlights the urgency of addressing this problem comprehensively, with an appropriate therapeutic approach and greater social awareness of its consequences. Preventing suicide in people with gambling addiction involves offering them support, understanding and specialized treatment to help them overcome this addiction and regain control over their lives.