Kenya has become a lucrative ground for betting companies owing to lenient laws on betting. [Photo: blog.geopoll.com]
Kenya is slowly becoming a country of gamblers.
Betting companies, which are increasing overnight, are experiencing unprecedented success in Kenya. Most Kenyans now believe that one sure and quickest route to wealth is through betting.According to a recent GeoPoll rapid survey, Kenya has the highest number of youth betting their income in sports in Sub-Saharan Africa.But the lure of an easy buck has led to addiction, depression and even suicides in the country.The gambling arena in Kenya is becoming too much of a dangerous venture because it is addictive and contagious.According to www.kenyatamed.com, here are five signs to know you are addicted to gambling and ways of stopping the addiction.Signs you’ve got a gambling problem include:1. You can’t stopAddicts struggle to limit both the time and money they’re spending on their bets. Betting takes over their life, and they find themselves constantly wagering. They try to quit, but can’t.2. You gamble with money you can’t afford to loseCompulsive gamblers wont stop even when the money they allocated for gambling runs out. They will bet on money budgeted for bills not considering the consequences.3. Your bets go beyond entertainmentThose who bet for fun limit their time and money but gambling addicts will go beyond that. They will gamble to escape anxiety or compensate for a loss.4. You attempt to recover losses by gambling moreIn case of loss, addicts will hastily try to gamble again to compensate their losses and most of the times, they lose terribly.5. You gamble with more and more moneyAddicts go to extremes to find money to gamble like borrowing, theft, forgery, or other crimes to feed their habit.How to treat a gambling addiction:1. Admit you have a problemGambling is like any addiction: The first step is to admit you have a problem. Experts say treatment won’t be effective if the addict can’t take this important first step. Admitting to the problem means you’re ready to make an effort to stop.2. Get supportGambling addictions are hard to fight alone. Family and friends can be a good source of support.3. Replace gambling with something positiveFind a replacement activity or hobby. Something to take the place of gambling like watching movies, going out, reading a book, swimming. ..4. Avoid temptationAddicts have to avoid environments that lead to gambling. Stay away from casinos, gambling friends, betting sites, or anything else that might remind, tempt or influence you to gamble.5. Seek professional helpThe intensity of treatment for gambling addiction varies case-by-case. Statistics show that up to 70 percent of those with gambling addictions may have other psychiatric conditions, making additional treatment necessary.Psychotherapy may be a part of treatment, and medications are sometimes prescribed that help reduce the urge to wager.