Having a flutter on the horses, placing an online bet on a football match or getting rid of some loose change on a slot machine or hard-earned cash at a roulette table can be a bit of fun and enjoyment for millions around the world.

But when that fun mutates into something more serious and an addiction to pathological gambling starts to develop, the consequences can be devastating - on physical and mental health and also on loved ones and families.

Gambling addiction can completely dominate an individual’s life - and destroy relationships, businesses and lead to financial ruin, potentially suicide too.

A joint study by Yale University and the CT Council on Problem Gambling found that one in five gamblers who had called a helpline had previously attempted to kill themselves.

However, with the correct expert treatment, pathological gambling can be addressed and sufferers able to enjoy life in a healthy way once again.

WHAT EXACTLY IS PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLING?
A pathological gambler becomes addicted to the thrill of betting larger and larger amounts of money and greater risk-taking - often with catastrophic results.

It is a similar pattern of behaviour that we see with those addicted to alcohol or legal or illegal drugs - with many losing control, exhibiting compulsive behaviours and living in denial of their problems. Other addictions will commonly run hand-in-hand with pathological gambling - drugs and alcohol are often used as an emotional crutch to lean on to cope with the anxiety of living with gambling problems.

As you would expect, with so many people suffering from such issues, there have been great advances in treatments for pathological gambling, so your concerns can be addressed and resolved smoothly by discreet professionals with the highest level of evidence-based treatments at their experienced fingertips.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Attempting to control or stop gambling, but without success
Lying to family members or others to mask the extent of your gambling
Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same thrill levels
Gambling to relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression and escape problems
Jeopardising or losing important relationships or work opportunities because of gambling
Having suicidal thoughts and tendencies