Problems With Internet Gambling And Gaming Addictions Give You Bad Odds

It seems so innocent…buying a lottery ticket, a fun trip to the casino. But for many, problems with Internet gambling and other gaming activities is serious business with serious consequences for the trust, passion and intimacy in your significant relationship.

According to the US National Council on Problem Gambling, “Two million (1%) of US adults are estimated to meet criteria for pathological gambling in a given year. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) would be considered problem gamblers; that is, they do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling, but meet one of more of the criteria and are experiencing problems due to their gambling behavior.”

Those problems are wide-ranging. People with problems with Internet gambling and other gaming addictions may have issues like lack of sleep and depression, lying to loved ones, absenteeism from work or school, financial strain, impatience and irritability-especially towards people who are trying to get them to stop-and mood swings.

Their addiction may lead to crime…one Gamblers Anonymous survey of 400 of its members found that 57 per cent admitted to stealing to finance their addiction. In total, those 400 gamblers stole 30 million dollars.

If you’re a problem gambler, or in a relationship with one, the odds of damage to your relationship are extreme. Dr. Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D. (counselor, author, speaker, radio personality), notes that, “The average rate of divorce for problem gamblers is nearly double that of the non-gambler.” He adds that pathological gamblers have a suicide rate 20 times higher than non-gamblers.

Problems with Internet gambling and other gaming addictions lead to isolation in a relationship. While the gambler is off feeding his or her addiction, the loved one left behind may experience anger, frustration and a sense of helplessness. A gambler will frequently lie, which will corrode trust. The gambler will often be withdrawn-unwilling or unable to share his or her emotional turmoil and talk about the addiction. And the only way for the gambler to find emotional relief is, of course, to gamble.

The domestic implications can be equally bleak–financial damage, loss of home or employment, theft to cover losses, borrowing from friends or family members without repayment.

It’s a vicious circle. A relationship impacted by problems with Internet gambling and other gaming addictions might survive, but it will be a precarious balance that will reduce the love, trust and passion you have for your partner. To restore harmony, you need to get help.

For more information, visit these pages:

Porn Addiction Can Devastate Your Relationship

Drug Use And Alcoholism Statistics Show Relationships Are Deeply Impacted

Compulsive Shopping Can Ruin Your Relationship

Addicted To Sex? Get Help Now To Save Your Relationship

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Home New Article Blog Addictions Communication Dating - General Dating For Her Dating For Him Family Matters Infidelity Marriage Advice Separation/Divorce Stress Free Ebook Privacy Policy Contact Us	Problems With Internet Gambling And Gaming Addictions Give You Bad Odds It seems so innocent…buying a lottery ticket, a fun trip to the casino. But for many, problems with Internet gambling and other gaming activities is serious business with serious consequences for the trust, passion and intimacy in your significant relationship. According to the US National Council on Problem Gambling, “Two million (1%) of US adults are estimated to meet criteria for pathological gambling in a given year. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) would be considered problem gamblers; that is, they do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling, but meet one of more of the criteria and are experiencing problems due to their gambling behavior.” Those problems are wide-ranging. People with problems with Internet gambling and other gaming addictions may have issues like lack of sleep and depression, lying to loved ones, absenteeism from work or school, financial strain, impatience and irritability-especially towards people who are trying to get them to stop-and mood swings. Their addiction may lead to crime…one Gamblers Anonymous survey of 400 of its members found that 57 per cent admitted to stealing to finance their addiction. In total, those 400 gamblers stole 30 million dollars. If you’re a problem gambler, or in a relationship with one, the odds of damage to your relationship are extreme. Dr. Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D. (counselor, author, speaker, radio personality), notes that, “The average rate of divorce for problem gamblers is nearly double that of the non-gambler.” He adds that pathological gamblers have a suicide rate 20 times higher than non-gamblers. Problems with Internet gambling and other gaming addictions lead to isolation in a relationship. While the gambler is off feeding his or her addiction, the loved one left behind may experience anger, frustration and a sense of helplessness. A gambler will frequently lie, which will corrode trust. The gambler will often be withdrawn-unwilling or unable to share his or her emotional turmoil and talk about the addiction. And the only way for the gambler to find emotional relief is, of course, to gamble. The domestic implications can be equally bleak–financial damage, loss of home or employment, theft to cover losses, borrowing from friends or family members without repayment. It’s a vicious circle. A relationship impacted by problems with Internet gambling and other gaming addictions might survive, but it will be a precarious balance that will reduce the love, trust and passion you have for your partner. To restore harmony, you need to get help. For more information, visit these pages: Porn Addiction Can Devastate Your Relationship Drug Use And Alcoholism Statistics Show Relationships Are Deeply Impacted Compulsive Shopping Can Ruin Your Relationship Addicted To Sex? Get Help Now To Save Your Relationship Return to Relationship Advice Home