Gambling may start as a bit of fun but can quickly get out of hand. We are here to assure you that resources for gambling support in Blackburn and Darwen are available.
Did you know, that over 20% of the UK population are affected by gambling, and between 340,000 – 1.4 million adults in the UK are severely affected by gambling?
Our goal at Be Well BwD is to boost gambling support services in BwD and make sure anyone who feels they could benefit knows they are there.
Identifying A Gambling Addiction
There is a clear line between those who enjoy gambling as a leisurely pastime and those who develop a compulsive disorder.
Please note, that the difference between the two has nothing to do with restraint or mental strength. There are lots of reasons why someone could suffer from gambling related harms.
Gambling may start as a bit of fun but can quickly get out of hand. We are here to assure you that resources for gambling support in Blackburn and Darwen are available.
Did you know, that over 20% of the UK population are affected by gambling, and between 340,000 – 1.4 million adults in the UK are severely affected by gambling?
Our goal at Be Well BwD is to boost gambling support services in BwD and make sure anyone who feels they could benefit knows they are there.
Here are some tell-tale signs that you or your loved one could have a gambling addiction.
- Obsession
If someone is constantly talking about gambling, reliving gambling experiences, or actively gambling all the time, it could be the first sign that they’re addicted.
With the way technology is going, it is that much easier to gamble from anywhere and at any time. Instant and constant access to gambling apps or websites makes it that much harder to quit.
- Concealing Consequences
People with a gambling problem will try to avoid the consequences of their addiction. They’ll do this by hiding receipts or bank statements and lying about where they are/ what they are doing.
- Gambling Despite Consequences
Despite the strain on family, finances, or even legal consequences, addicted gamblers cannot shift the urge to continue gambling. They truly believe that the only way to fix their woes is to gamble more, always claiming that a ‘big win’ is around the corner.
- Withdrawal When Not Gambling
Gamblers who experience withdrawal symptoms will be convinced that the only way to feel stable again is by gambling. Symptoms may include:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Interrupted sleep
- Loss of appetite
- Change in sex drive
- Disruption In Daily Life
Someone with a gambling addiction might be experiencing trouble at work, have a hard time maintaining relationships or have no time for hobbies due to gambling. Changes in behaviour may start off as subtle but become more noticeable over time.
Financial issues could be another sign that someone’s struggling. If a person is constantly borrowing money they can’t pay back, unable to pay bills, or just generally not taking care of themself, it’s possible they’re using money to fund a gambling habit.
- Defensive About Gambling
When someone’s defensive after being accused of something, 9 times out of 10 it is because the accusation is right. They may not have accepted their gambling addiction before others start to notice it.
Services For Gambling Support In Blackburn
If you are reading this and have someone in mind who you think needs help, whether that’s yourself, a colleague, a pupil, or a loved one, there are services in your local area which can help.
Gambling support in Blackburn is accessible for both adults and younger gamblers. Here are some services we recommend:
If you would like to access support around Gambling please click here