Mental health experts have warned that gambling addiction in Nigeria should not be ignored, as it can lead to serious mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. The rise of sports betting, driven by the proliferation of betting companies, has made gambling increasingly popular among Nigerians of all ages. Many people are unaware that untreated gambling addiction can have dire mental health consequences.
According to the experts, gambling addiction often stems from a desire for a quick shortcut to wealth, especially among those lacking tools for upward social mobility. Over time, this desire can develop into a habit. While some individuals engage in compulsive gambling, which is driven by addiction, others gamble socially as a harmless pastime. Factors that can influence gambling behavior include parents, friends, peer pressure, and certain medications.
In an interview with our correspondent, Dr. Jide Jeje, a psychiatrist with the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom, and Joshua Ogunsemi, a clinical psychologist and assistant registrar at Redeemers University, emphasized the importance of addressing both the remote and immediate causes of gambling addiction for the benefit of society. Dr. Jeje explained that many people gamble hoping to win a jackpot and improve their lives without considering their current socioeconomic situation. Others gamble for fun, social interaction, excitement, or as a way to escape boredom or stress.
Compulsive gambling, however, becomes largely uncontrollable and leads to financial distress and sociological complications, such as unmanageable debt. Dr. Jeje noted that having close relatives—especially parents—who gamble can encourage young people to start gambling early. Peer pressure also plays a role, and certain medications, including steroids and drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease, can trigger gambling behavior. He added that gambling stimulates the brain’s dopamine system, producing feelings of pleasure and reward.
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