Gamers can take various approaches to relieving their stress, but some can be riskier than others. Some gamble as a means of escape but this can quickly turn into financial strain and even addiction.
Recently, video game reviewer Ben Croshaw (aka Yahtzee) and all of the video staff quit The Escapist website over editor-in-chief Nick Calandra being dismissed by parent company Gamurs. This resulted in an all-out walkout by this video staff from The Escapist website.
1. It’s a way of coping
Betting may provide a temporary escape from daily stressors, but it should never be used as an unhealthy coping mechanism. Gambling often leads to financial troubles, family discord and mental health challenges; additionally it may even become addictive without proper treatment.
Escapism is a common theme in fiction. It allows readers to become immersed in an imaginary world and experience things they wouldn’t normally get to experience in real life – from going to the movies or spending countless hours playing World of Warcraft – many enjoy using escapism as a form of escape.
Escapist fiction may not have a definitive definition, but its tropes can easily be identified. For instance, many works in this genre feature characters who were born into or given an advantage due to birth (e.g. royalty or being the Chosen One), possess magical powers, or feature attractive love interests.
2. It’s a way of escaping
Many gamblers turn to gambling as a form of escape from emotional pain, boredom, anger, loneliness or negative life situations. Gamblers can use gambling as a form of distraction by engaging in risky behavior such as taking risks that often leads to irresponsible or impulsive behavior – providing temporary relief but carrying with it risks such as financial losses and straining relationships.
Individuals suffering from preexisting mental health conditions may be more prone to using gambling as a coping strategy, particularly those who find its excitement and rewards appealing, which could lead to addiction. Furthermore, having both conditions together may create an exponential cycle where each exacerbates each other; as a result, finding alternative coping mechanisms is key; engaging in hobbies and interests could help relieve stress without increasing likelihood of problem gambling.
3. It’s a way of distracting yourself
If gambling has become your main way of coping with stress, it is crucial that you seek help immediately. Gambling is not a healthy coping mechanism and may lead to financial hardship; other means may work better for relieving anxiety such as talking things through with friends or engaging in physical exercise.
Time moves at lightning-speed and prison life can quickly become monotonous. To stay sane and avoid losing track of what needs to be done each day, prisoners must adhere to a set schedule which includes roll call (wake-up), breakfast, work period (“gettin’ swole”), group showering sessions and group showering procedures.
Breaking free can take much planning, preparation and hard work; yet when success finally arrives the rewards can be immeasurable! [2]
4. It’s a way of escapism
Escapism is often the reason people turn to gambling. While gambling offers temporary relief from reality, long-term dependence can lead to depression and anxiety if left unchecked. Therefore, it’s essential that people recognize escapism as the root of gambling addiction, taking steps necessary to address it as soon as possible.
Studies show that escapism is strongly connected with addictive behaviors. One recent study concluded that it was even stronger predictor than problematic alcohol use itself!
Researchers used regression models to explore the relationship between life satisfaction and escapism, and escapism motives; specifically alcohol consumption and smoking levels. Age, gender, marital status, education level and socio-economic position were taken into account in each model; one such interaction model found that when used together escapist drinking motives predicted lower life satisfaction than problematic alcohol use alone did – particularly strong among young adults and people with lower educational achievement levels.
