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Navigating the High Stakes: Understanding and Addressing Gambling Addiction.

Navigating the High Stakes: Understanding and Addressing Gambling Addiction.

In the high-pressure environment of the electrical industry, where precision and constant attention to detail are the norms, it's not uncommon for professionals to seek outlets for stress relief. However, when these outlets take the form of gambling, what starts as a harmless diversion can swiftly turn into an addiction, posing significant risks to personal and professional well-being.

gambling addiction

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is an impulse-control disorder. It's characterised by an uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it begins to take. Unlike other addictive behaviours, gambling addiction Often goes undetected and can be a challenge to recognise. Gambling can be accessed almost anywhere and most importantly, it isn't illegal - which means that a high volume of those who engage in frequent gambling, are unable to identify it as an unhealthy habit.

For electrical industry professionals, the precision and risk management skills honed on the job can misleadingly boost confidence in gambling activities. The illusion of control in games of chance, combined with the high-stress nature of the industry, can make individuals more susceptible to gambling addiction.

Signs of Gambling Addiction

  • Spending more money or time on gambling than one can afford
  • Becoming secretive with the use of gambling platforms
  • Struggling to control or stop gambling
  • Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities
  • Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
  • Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling

Gambling addiction doesn’t just affect the individual; it has a wider impact, often including family members, friends and colleagues. In our industry, safety is paramount. Excessive gambling is just one factor that can cause stress and act as a distraction which may lead to critical errors on the job.

Seeking Help

It can be difficult to know where to turn if gambling is negatively impacting you or someone that you care about. It is important to remember that there is always help and support available. As an employer, if you have concerns about colleagues and excessive gambling, please consider the following:

  • Professional Support: Sensitively encourage employees to seek help from professionals specialising in gambling addiction.
  • Peer Support: Create a support system within the workplace where colleagues can share experiences and offer support.
  • Awareness and Education: Offering regular workshops on the risks of gambling addiction and how to recognise the signs can be invaluable.

Supporting Someone with a Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction, often called the 'hidden illness', can strain relationships, and deeply affect those surrounding the person who is gambling. Unlike some substance addictions, symptoms are less visible, but there are indicators to watch for:

  • Increased irritability, anger, or restlessness.
  • Secretive behaviour when using online applications/gambling platforms
  • Being preoccupied with gambling
  • Financial signals such as money problems, or taking out loans
  • Deceitfulness
  • Changes in sleeping patterns due to mental health, such as heightened anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders like insomnia.

How to start the conversation

Initiating a Supportive Conversation

  • Choose a private setting to ensure comfort and safety.
  • Express your concerns about their gambling habits, emphasising your care for their well-being.
  • Remain calm and non-judgement, listen empathetically.
  • Focus on the issue of gambling rather than personal blame, maintaining a non-judgmental tone.

Sharing Observations

  • Share specific behaviours that have worried you, like financial difficulties, withdrawal from activities, or increased stress.
  • Explain how and why these changes have made you feel concerned.

Active Listening

  • Be attentive and patient. If they're not ready to discuss, encourage them to reflect on their actions.
  • Offer information about support services available. The Electrical Industries Charity can provide directions to professional help and can offer support options to them and those affected.

Approaching Treatment

  • Acknowledging the need for help is the first critical step.
  • Explore treatment options, understanding the underlying causes of the addiction. This might include therapy, either individually or group based.
  • The Electrical Industries Charity can guide you to appropriate resources and support groups, offering a network of assistance tailored to those in the electrical and energy industries.
  • Tackling gambling addiction in the electrical industry requires a proactive approach. By understanding the unique pressures of the industry, recognising the signs of addiction, and offering appropriate support, we can create a safer, more supportive work environment for all.

Available support:

NHS gambling treatment clinics

Charities and support groups

  • The National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare) – call 0808 8020 133 for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free information, support and counselling.
  • GambleAware – a national gambling support network service.
  • GamLearn – the Gambling Lived Experience and Recovery Network service.
  • Gamblers Anonymous – a local support group service that uses the 12-step approach to recovery.
  • Citizens Advice Bureau – a free service that can advise you on a range of issues, including finances.

Things you can do to help with gambling-related harms

You are advised to get support if you are experiencing gambling-related harms. But there are other things you can also do to help:

Do:

  • Sign up for GamStop – this stops you being able to use gambling websites and apps for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
  • Install Gamban – this blocks access to gambling websites and apps on your devices.
  • Ask your bank to block any money going to gambling websites and apps.
  • Pay important bills, such as your mortgage, on payday before you gamble – you can set up direct debits or standing orders for this.
  • Deal with your debts rather than ignoring them – visit the National Debtline for help and Step Change
  • Spend more time with family and friends who do not gamble.
  • Talk to someone you trust about what is happening.

Don't:

  • Do not view gambling as a way to make money.
  • Do not take credit cards with you when you go gambling.

If you're affected by someone's gambling

If another person's gambling is affecting you, support is available from:

We can give a hand-up to everyone in our industry.

Will you help us reach those in need? Learn how you can get involved.