Holidays can cause triggers in recovering gamblers

‘Tis the holiday season, that period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s when we spend time with family, exchange laughs with friends, and indulge in a few treats. The inevitable hustle and bustle, however, is often a challenge for gambling-addicted people and their families.

When a person struggles with gambling addiction, the holidays bring on a host of catalysts that can make betting behavior more excessive. This time of year may also cause a relapse in a recovering gambler. Holiday-related triggers include:

• Stress: 44% of women and 31% of men report feeling increased stress during the holiday season, according to an American Psychological Association (APA) study. It’s all-too-easy to feel overwhelmed by the thought of buying gifts, baking treats, running errands, decorating trees, and finding creative, fun spots for that popular Elf on the Shelf. As a result, a person might turn to excessive gambling because he or she feels it will relieve stress and anxiety.
• Money: The desire to give family and loved ones everything they want over the holidays may cause a gambler to believe that a Big Win will allow them to grant everyone’s wishes. The bills that quickly follow gift-giving often leave the bank account on the low side, prompting others to look to that Big Win to pay the rent or credit card bills.
• Loneliness: Not everyone experiences family time over the holiday season. Those who feel lonely or isolated, particularly the elderly, may seek out gambling activities to pass the time or find fellowship with others. People no longer need to travel to place their bets either; online casinos provide activity and social contact for those unable to travel.

Get Help for Compulsive Gambling
End-of-year holidays often bring excessive gambling behavior front-and-center. An addicted person might neglect the family gift exchange in favor of a casino trip. A spouse may discover that their loved one’s addiction has drained the bank account, leaving no money to buy the kids’ Christmas gifts. A loved one might find that the compulsive gambler has exchanged already-purchased gifts for cash.

Don’t wait until New Year’s to make a resolution to cut back on betting or to help a loved one find help for a gambling problem. Excessive gambling is a serious addiction with consequences that will last long after the holiday decorations are packed away.

Adapted from http://www.safestakes.org/blog/