By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
For many a poker night with friends or a quick trip to the casino is harmless fun. But, for others, gambling can spiral into something more dangerous. “The National Council on Problem Gambling.” (NCPG) defines problem gambling as a gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family. Often, it disrupts their daily life and career.
Problem gambling isn’t just a mental health diagnosis— it’s a complex behavioral disorder that both co-occur with and worsen conditions, like depression, anxiety and substance use disorder.
“Mental health and gambling problems are really interrelated. Gambling disorder is actually a diagnosable mental health condition,” said Jaime Costello, program director for the NCPG. “It can be diagnosed in very similar ways to other mental health diseases, like depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.”
The AFRO sat down with Costello to discuss problem gambling’s links to mood disorders and suicide, populations who may be more vulnerable and options for recovery.
AFRO: Can you describe the ways in which problem gambling can affect a person’s mental health over time?
Jaime Costello: We see a lot of overlap between problem gambling and addiction. For some people, reducing one behavior can lead to an increase in the other, like when a person who is reducing their gambling turns to substance use. But, a lot of times substance use and gambling happen together.
There’s also a heavy overlap between gambling disorder, major depressive disorder and other mood disorders. That’s not just for the individual who is gambling themselves. It also includes family and friends who are impacted by someone else’s gambling. About two thirds of people who are affected by someone else’s gambling problem are struggling with some sort of mood or mental health disorder, like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
There’s also a close link between gambling and suicide. About one in five individuals struggling with gambling problems have attempted or completed suicide. That’s higher than any other addiction.
AFRO: Are there certain populations that may be more vulnerable to the mental health impacts of problem gambling?
JC: There’s been so little research about that, so it’s difficult. But, we can anecdotally point to what we see and hear. Veterans and people in the military are impacted at a higher rate for gambling in general, but they are also impacted by co-occurring mental health disorders related to gambling at a higher rate.
We also see certain minority populations impacted at higher rates when we’re talking about co-occurrence between mental health and problem gambling disorders. The reasons behind that could be any number of things— risk factors, environments and sometimes the culture that people grow up in, which can determine how they view gambling and how they view seeking help. Gambling is a bit more stigmatized in mental health disorders
AFRO: What are some of the stigmas surrounding problem gambling, and how might they be harmful to people struggling with it?
JC: People still believe problem gambling is caused by a lack of willpower. If you go back 20 years ago, we thought the same thing about other addictions, and now we’re having to change that tone. They are addictive disorders, and most people who are gambling and struggling want to stop— they just don’t know how.
There’s also a stigma regarding whether or not people who are struggling with problem gambling can recover. A lot of people aren’t sure or believe that someone cannot recover. We want to flip that and say recovery is possible.
There’s also this idea that people with a gambling problem are below average intelligence. That is not true. Gambling problems can affect everyone, regardless of intelligence level or economic status.
We really need to flip the script and talk about how people can recover from gambling problems. They’re not doing it because of a lack of willpower or because they aren’t intelligent. We have to make sure they understand that they can recover and that help is available.
AFRO: What are some of the warning signs that gambling may be affecting a person’s mental health?
JC: I would say anytime that a friend or family member seems to be struggling with their mental health, it’s really important to ask a whole bunch of questions to determine where it’s coming from. All of our “why” questions should consider gambling behavior. Why is my family member’s behavior changing? Why are they spending so much time at the casino or with their friends for Friday night poker?
We talk to our kids about drugs and sex, but we also need to talk about gambling. There’s not one clear warning sign that indicates that problem gambling is causing mental health problems in your loved one. You have to ensure that you pay attention and talk to your loved ones enough to understand changes in their behavior or feelings.
AFRO: Could the growing legalization of online and sports betting impact the mental health crisis around gambling?
JC: Obviously, anytime that something is easier to do, you’re more likely to do it. If I keep my candy on the counter as opposed to the backside of my pantry, I’m going to eat more candy. Anytime that gambling becomes more accessible, you’re more likely to participate in it.
I could be talking to you and gambling on my phone right now, and you would have no idea. It’s so much easier to hide now that everything is online and in your pocket. Those are things that increase that level of concern, especially because when people hide their behavior that’s when they really start to struggle.
While we’re neutral when it comes to gambling and the legalization of different types of gambling in the U.S., we do advocate for increased services whenever there is increased access to gambling. That includes increased problem gambling support services but also ensuring that the mental health field is prepared and understands what problem gambling is. That way, they can make appropriate referrals to problem gambling treatment if needed.
AFRO: What are some of the avenues for treatment and recovery when it comes to problem gambling?
JC: For individuals, the most effective strategy is a formalized treatment with a clinician who is trained in problem gambling disorder. That might be through the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC) or through your state. If you’re struggling with depression and you gamble, it’s important to seek out a professional who is experienced in mental health as well as problem gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous does exist too, and there’s Gam-Anon for family members and friends of individuals who are struggling. Through it, they can get the help they need to be ready to support their loved one when they come to them in need.
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Call the free National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24/7.
