If gambling is dominating your life and holds an important place in it, you might be suffering serious financial, family and even health consequences. The repercussions of gambling are serious.

The Repercussions of Excessive Gambling
on the Gambler

Even though, an excessive gambler’s behaviour can have repercussions on the lives of several people, he/she is the first to suffer. A gambling addiction is prone to cause the following negative effects:

• Impacts on mental health
  An excessive gambler can go through all of these states of mind: depression, anxiety, guilt, anger, loneliness, isolation, disappointment, loss of self-esteem, loss of control and suicidal thoughts.
• Impacts on physical health 
  An excessive gambler can have several ailments that are often due to stress, such as, insomnia, digestive issues, headaches, back and neck pains.
• Substance abuse 
  When gambling endures, smoking or using drugs and alcohol can become a stress reliever as the pressure mounts. They can gain importance at the same time that gambling does.
• Social problems 
  A gambler can sometimes exhibit problematic behaviours such as, lying, manipulation, verbal, emotional and physical abuse, as well as, isolation.
• Financial difficulties 
  An excessive gambler could frequently be faced with loss of income, increased debt (the use of credit cards, lines of credit or other loans) and an inability to pay bills.
• Legal impacts 
  It is possible for an excessive gambler to commit acts that go against his/her values such as criminal acts (theft, fraud, counterfeiting, etc.).
• Impacts on school and work
  These problems are reflected by absenteeism, loss of productivity and missed professional opportunities.

The Repercussions of Excessive Gambling
on Friends and Colleagues

The effects of excessive gambling can also be felt by friends and colleagues:

• Manipulation 
  A gambler who wants money to gamble can manipulate loved ones.
• Lies
  Loved ones can end up lying and making excuses for the gambler’s behaviour.
• Verbal abuse
  A gambler can use an aggressive tone or violent words that could lead to arguments and strained relationships.
• Financial difficulties
  A gambler can borrow money from a loved one and not pay it back.
• Denial
  Sometimes loved ones pretend to not notice changes in the gambler’s behaviours and attitudes to not have to deal with it.