Gambling addiction is a serious problem that can affect anyone, including those in the army. While many people engage in gambling as an occasional pastime, the pressures of army life—long deployments, separation from loved ones, and high-stress situations—can make gambling seem like a harmless way to relax or cope. However, for some army personnel, what starts as a casual form of entertainment can quickly spiral into a destructive habit.
What Is Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction is a behavioral disorder where an individual becomes compulsively driven to gamble, despite the negative consequences. It’s not just about playing games of chance; it’s about being unable to stop gambling, even when it starts to harm your personal and professional life.
For army personnel, gambling may seem like an easy way to cope with stress or pass the time, but over time, it can lead to serious consequences. A gambling addiction may manifest in various ways, from frequent online casino games and sports betting to more traditional forms of gambling, such as poker or slot machines. The emotional and financial toll of addiction can be devastating, not just for the individual but also for their families and the army unit they serve in.
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Why Gambling Addiction Is a Growing Problem in the Army
Army life often comes with long periods of downtime, particularly during deployments. When away from home, many service members turn to online gambling as a way to deal with the stress, loneliness, or boredom they experience. Online gambling is especially appealing because it’s easily accessible at all hours, offering a convenient escape from the pressures of army life.
Here are some reasons why gambling addiction can be particularly problematic for army members:
- Isolation: Army members may feel isolated or disconnected from their families, especially during long deployments. The lack of a strong support system can lead some to seek solace in gambling.
- Stress and Coping: The high levels of stress associated with army service, including the mental and emotional strain of combat or the pressure of leadership responsibilities, can drive some to use gambling as a means of escape.
- Financial Stability: Many service members earn a steady paycheck, which may make gambling losses seem manageable at first. This can create a dangerous cycle, where individuals continue to gamble to “win back” their losses.
- Access to Online Gambling: With the rise of online casinos, poker platforms, and sports betting websites, gambling has become more accessible than ever before, even for those in remote or deployed locations.
Recognizing the Signs of Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction often develops gradually, and it can be difficult to spot at first, especially in the army where discipline and structure can mask the problem. However, it’s important to recognize the signs of gambling addiction early to prevent further damage. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, look out for these warning signs:
Behavioral Signs of Gambling Addiction
- Gambling more frequently or for larger sums of money than before, even when it causes financial strain.
- Lying about gambling activities or trying to hide the extent of the problem from others, including family, friends, or fellow service members.
- Increasing tension or irritability when unable to gamble, or feeling anxious about not having enough money to gamble.
- Borrowing money or using loans to fund gambling activities, or borrowing money from others to cover gambling losses.
- Using gambling as an escape from problems or to relieve feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression.
Financial and Emotional Signs of Gambling Addiction
- Difficulty managing finances or paying bills due to gambling losses. Financial difficulties may include credit card debt, unpaid bills, and accumulating loans.
- Mood swings or emotional distress, including feelings of guilt, shame, or helplessness.
- Relationship problems caused by lying, hiding the extent of gambling, or gambling away money that should be used for family expenses.
Tips for Combating Gambling Addiction in the Army
If you recognize that you have a problem with gambling, it’s important to take steps to address it. While army life presents unique challenges, there are still effective strategies you can use to fight gambling addiction.
Self-Help Strategies for Gambling Addiction
For some, taking control of gambling behavior on their own can be a first step in recovery. Here are some tips to help regain control:
- Commit to a Gambling-Free Period. Try to go without gambling for a set period, such as a month or longer. This time away from gambling can help you reset and reflect on the impact of your habits.
- Understand the Nature of Gambling. Remember that gambling is a game of chance, and there is no skill involved in making money. The odds are always against you, and the more you gamble, the more likely you are to lose.
- Make a List of Pros and Cons. Write down the reasons why you gamble and the negative consequences it has on your life. Keep the list in a visible place as a daily reminder of the harm caused by gambling.
- Set Financial Limits. Use withdrawal limits, deposit restrictions, and other financial controls to limit your access to gambling funds. If possible, entrust your finances to someone you trust, such as a family member.
- Find Alternative Activities. Explore new hobbies, reconnect with old passions, or focus on exercise or other healthy outlets. Filling the time you would spend gambling with productive activities can help break the cycle.
- Stay Connected with Loved Ones. Staying close to your support system, whether it’s family, friends, or fellow service members, can help you stay grounded and prevent isolation, which often fuels gambling addiction.
When to Seek Professional Help
For many people, gambling addiction is too serious to overcome alone. If your self-help efforts aren’t enough, or if your addiction has caused significant harm to your life, seeking professional help is essential.
Types of Therapy for Gambling Addiction
Professional therapy can help you understand the root causes of your gambling addiction and learn how to change harmful behaviors. Here are some of the most common therapies used to treat gambling addiction:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns related to gambling. It also teaches coping strategies for dealing with urges and cravings.
- Motivational Therapy: Motivational therapy focuses on helping individuals recognize the negative consequences of gambling and the benefits of quitting.
- Individual Therapy: This form of therapy looks at the deeper emotional or psychological issues that may be contributing to gambling addiction, such as trauma, depression, or anxiety.
Therapy Options for Army Members
Army members have access to various mental health and addiction services. These can include both inpatient and outpatient options:
- Outpatient Therapy: This is ideal for those who have a strong support system in place and can manage their addiction while continuing their army duties.
- Inpatient Therapy: For those with severe addiction or limited support, inpatient therapy can provide more intensive treatment in a controlled environment, free from the temptation to gamble.
Army clinics and VA hospitals offer specialized programs to help service members with gambling addiction.
The Role of Friends and Family in Overcoming Gambling Addiction
Family and friends are critical when it comes to helping someone with a gambling addiction. However, it’s important for them to avoid enabling the behavior by lending money or excusing gambling problems. Instead, loved ones should:
- Set Boundaries. It’s important for family members to set boundaries around the behavior. For example, avoid lending money to cover gambling debts.
- Encourage Professional Help. Gently encourage the person to seek therapy and other professional treatment options.
- Support Recovery. Offer emotional support and be patient with the process of recovery. Addiction recovery takes time, and having a reliable support system is key to long-term success.
Conclusion
Gambling addiction can have a devastating impact on the lives of army members and their families. It’s important to recognize the signs of addiction early and take action before the situation worsens. Whether through self-help strategies, professional therapy, or support from loved ones, overcoming gambling addiction is possible.
Remember, if you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling addiction, there is help available. Army members should reach out to available resources, including therapy programs through the VA or army clinics, and take the first step toward recovery. The earlier you address the problem, the easier it will be to regain control over your life and your future.
Don’t let gambling control your life—take the first step today to seek help and begin the journey to recovery.
Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, he graduated from George State University with an MBA in Actuarial Science. His hobbies include beach volleyball, hiking, fishing, and lifting weights
George is also a certified nutritionist with a passion for health and fitness.
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