Gambling addiction is a serious problem that can affect a person’s health, psychological well-being, and life. It is a form of impulse control disorder, and is considered to be a form of mental illness. Problem gambling can also lead to physical symptoms such as digestive problems, nausea, and migraine. In extreme cases, it can even lead to depression and attempts at suicide.

It is important for people with gambling problems to seek support and help to quit. While the individual must be the one to make the decision to quit, family and friends can encourage and support them. When a gambler discusses the possibility of suicide, family members should take the conversation seriously. It is imperative that the individual get help for their gambling addiction to prevent it from affecting their lives.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is a helpful tool for identifying gambling disorders. These disorders are characterized by an increasing amount of money spent on gambling in order to achieve a desired sense of excitement. The person may also repeatedly try to cut back on their gambling habits without success. However, the diagnosis is not definitive without further evaluation.

As gambling becomes more accessible, it is important for people in recovery to take steps to avoid it. The Internet makes gambling accessible at any time of the day or night, which makes recovering addicts even more vulnerable to relapse. With the availability of online casinos and bookmakers, addictions to gambling are more likely to resurface. To combat this problem, recovering gamblers must surround themselves with people who support their recovery, avoid tempting environments, and engage in more healthy activities.