Suicide rates are exceedingly high amongst gambling addicts – in fact, individuals addicted to gambling tend to take their lives far more often than those suffering from any other variation of addiction. Revolving around one of the most insidious human vices, gambling addiction promises easy money and excessive wealth while delivering bankruptcy and deteriorated lives. It has been estimated that 1 out of every 5-problem gamblers will attempt suicide at some point, and the reasoning behind this is not only remarkably simple, but also extraordinarily complicated. Essentially, it comes down to the fact that gambling will eventually kill you because it never really kills you.

High Suicide Rates Amongst Gambling Addicts

Despite the rates at which gambling addicts are taking their own lives, it has been reported that only 5% of problem gamblers will seek professional treatment. Because gambling is a relatively diverse activity, there are many variations of gambling addiction. Addictive behaviors can range from the typical casino gambling to compulsively buying lottery tickets to betting on horse races. Gambling is typically a vicious cycle, for all money gained in fluke is frequently lost just as rapidly. Most gamblers never even come close to breaking even, which worsens potentially (and frequently) co-existing psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety.

There are two main reasons why gamblers persist in their addictions despite negative consequences. Firstly, the issue of money is somewhat interminable. Addictive gamblers will illogically strive to make back what they have lost, inevitably losing even more. Because they are mentally addicted they lack the option to withdraw from the games once they win big, thus they may gain their money back temporarily only to lose it again eventually. Secondly, individuals may continue to gamble based on the emotional high they feel when placing bets on large sums of money. Chasing the emotional high is dangerous because, just as in substance abuse, a tolerance will slowly form. Thus one will begin needing to place bets on larger and larger sums of money in order to feel the same adrenaline rush or high.

There Is Help Available

If someone you know has been exhibiting signs of gambling addiction (such as secretiveness, lack of control over gambling, and worsening symptoms of depression or anxiety) he or she may be at risk of suicide if not professionally treated. Call one of our licensed representatives to find out your options for gambling addiction treatment today.