While September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, this issue is something that must be taken seriously year round. From accountants and everyday people to NFL players themselves, it’s impossible to ignore the correlation between gambling and suicide.
Depending on the study and the geographical area, compulsive gambling has been linked from 5% to 40% with all reported suicide attempts.
According to Studies:
In 2010, the Alfred Hospital in Australia found that 17% of emergency room admissions for suicide were related to compulsive gambling.
According to a study in 2003, almost 40% of patients admitted to a treatment program for problem gambling had at least one suicide attempt.
A study in 1995 revealed that 66% of problem gamblers considered suicide and 16% of them made at least one previous attempt.
According to the World Health Organization, 5% of all suicides are related to compulsive gambling.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Numbers and statistics don’t lie. When the stakes are high, and money is low, suicide can cross a gambling addict’s mind on multiple occasions. Here are some warning signs you should never ignore:
- Verbal/written comments or threats (direct or indirect) made by somebody about killing him or herself. This includes anything from “My family would be better without me” and “I wish I weren’t here” to blatant statements such as “I should just kill myself.”
- Increased aggression and decreased patience and tolerance. If somebody you know is a problem gambler and is becoming more aggressive, let them know help is available. Regular mood swings should not be overlooked.
- Increased drug and alcohol use. Sometimes gamblers try to drown their sorrows and numb the pain by using drugs. If you notice this occurring, do not ignore it.
- Social withdrawal from friends and family. This could be a sign of depression or mental illness.
What can you do?
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is experienced in offering help during suicide crises. Additionally, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ has many resources available to problem gamblers and their loved ones, including a 24/7 helpline that can assist with suicidal thoughts related to gambling. Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 at any time.
Warning signs of any size should not be overlooked. Whether you are struggling with an addiction to fantasy sports gambling in Monmouth, NJ, or struggling with sports gambling in any area around Freehold, NJ, we can help. You don’t even have to be in our home state to find hope, support and resources.
Call us anytime at 1-800-GAMBLER and we can provide assistance with any issue related to gambling. We are here to help. It’s never too late.