Gambling addictions soar during pandemic

A?Co Limerick center in Ireland reported that the number of people seeking help for gambling addictions has risen by 50% due to the pandemic

The number of players seeking professional help for gambling at Co Limerick?center?has increased considerably by 50% during the pandemic. Several people have fallen back financially over the excessive addiction caused by months of isolation.?

A Co Limerick center in Ireland reported a rise in the number of problem gambling cases since the start of COVID-19. A?center counsellor explained the number of players seeking help to be ‘frightening’.?

One?of the major factors causing the spike?increased interest in gambling is the stay-at-home order, preventing people from?working and thereby looking for?‘an escape’?during the lockdown. Addiction Therapist?Michael Guerin of Addiction Treatment Centre in Ireland Cuan Mhuire?argues that the pandemic?had exasperated many gamblers’ problems due to the intense periods of isolation.??

Michael Guerin ?expressed his concerns, bringing to light addiction symptoms elicited by consumers:

It starts off low, but for an increasing number it just escalates out of control and they find themselves addicted to the thing. It’s the perfect storm.

Interestingly, Guerin noted that the increase has had an impact on women as more showed addiction symptoms and faced financial hurdles.?

The findings echo research published by The Lancet earlier this month highlighting concerns over ‘urgent, neglected, and understudied’ gambling problems.

Source: Gambling News