National day of protest against gambling dependency
On September 27, 2017, campaigns against gambling addiction are happening in all German states. Over 450,000 people experience this issue throughout the country. Volunteers are providing information about the disease in various places, with a key focus on concerns for relatives this year.
This day of action occurs annually on the last Wednesday in September. The anti-gambling addiction initiative is coordinated under the umbrella of the addiction counseling centers in each federal state. Interested individuals can find more specific information on local campaigns at www.aktionstag-gluecksspielsucht.de. In Germany, approximately 240,000 people have been identified with "problematic gambling behavior," and another 200,000 are considered pathological gamblers. Slot machines, in particular, are seen as having a considerably high addictiveness potential.
The impact of gambling addiction is not limited to those directly affected. Excessive gambling can lead to various issues in social environments, especially in professional and familial life. While regular gamblers view gaming as a form of amusement and are discouraged by losses or stop after winning, addicts become lost in the tension between the unpredictable outcome of the game and potential dream winnings. Gambling addicts are also known for wanting to make up for their losses by placing more risky bets, which eventually leads to a dangerous cycle that could lead to financial ruin. These individuals often continue gambling until it is impossible for them to do so:
As soon as I start gambling, I only stop when I have no money left. If I win, I keep playing to win more; if I lose, I have to keep playing to win back the money I lost. Gambling quote from the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA)
Pathological gambling has been recognized as an independent disease in Germany since March 2001. At that time, health insurance companies agreed to cover the costs of treatment. Gambling addiction is medically categorized as a "disorder of impulse control"; gamblers experience an increasing compulsion to keep gambling. This condition usually progresses gradually. While the initial motive may be for entertainment while gambling small amounts, gambling gradually becomes the center of one's life. Other responsibilities are disregarded, and thoughts primarily revolve around high-stakes and supposedly safe winning strategies.
The challenging role of loved ones
Similar to other addictions, those affected often minimize their behavior. They do not acknowledge a loss of control, yet they also hide the extent of their gambling. As a result, the problem is often identified too late. Sufferers then require not only psychological treatment but also regular debt counseling. Additionally, some may turn to criminal activities when their own gambling funds have been depleted.
It can be difficult for loved ones to help addicts, as they often deal with the issue by gambling more excessively. Confrontations can lead to unwanted consequences. The Federal Center for Health Education has a website with tips and contacts for family members. https://www.bzga.de/news/tag-gegen-sexualaddiktion-und-gluecksspielsucht
Read also:
- BVB trails 1-0 against Paris, with Füllkrug leading them towards the final.
- Munich Drama: Late Real Penalty Leaves Bayern Shocked
- Lars is capable of leading BVB, according to many.
- Subsequent torrential rainfall leads to 48 fatalities due to partial highway collapse in China.
Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
