Gambling often contributes to increases in debt problems and psychological distress, both or one who has pre-existed or even influenced gambling. The use of an individual’s resources in the form of gambling often results in severe financial loss, which then contributes to increased borrowing, as it is often a diagnostic factor for gambling-related disorders. However, aspects such as consumer credit use and debt problems are likely to increase noticeably in relation to the severity of gambling (Swanton & Gainsbury, 2020). The difficulties that arise as direct results of debt problems often involve poor psychological functioning, substance use, adverse impacts on an individual’s family, turning to crime, or suicidality. While community and government-led actions are currently developing in recognizing the issues, the financial institutions currently providing credit are doing little to address the harmful impacts of loaning to individuals with gambling disorders.
Perhaps the most severely impact individuals outside the person with the gambling disorder and their families. This is because families are often involved in either the initiation, maintenance, or help-seeking of an individual’s gambling issues, as well as the harm caused directly to them as a result of the problem, either financially or psychologically (Subramaniam et al., 2017). From a financial perspective, families are often involved in helping individuals experiencing debt by either providing them with money or other resources. Such dependence can create a strain between family members, which leads to the individual expercingin not only complete loss of financial support but also neglect from the family. However, family members are also key in providing help to individuals with gambling disorders, whether they are persuaded or threatened into seeking psychological assistance. Often, searching for help from one’s family is impeded by the stigma that surrounds gambling problems.
References
Subramaniam, M., Chong, S. A., Satghare, P., Browning, C. J., & Thomas, S. (2017). Gambling and family: A two-way relationship. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 6(4), 689-698. Web.
The following research assessed the relationship between an individual’s gambling disorders and their families. The research found that families were involved in both instigating, maintaining, and helping reduce this behavior.
Swanton, T., & Gainsbury, S. M. (2020). Gambling-related consumer credit use and debt problems: a brief review. Current Opinion in Behavioral Science, 31, 21-31. Web.
Within the following study, trends in the economic welfare of individuals with gambling disorders were analyzed with the results stipulating that loan issues and psychological problems were often interconnected.