The role of the Muslim community in relation to Gambling Addiction

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

Introduction

Gambling can affect many areas of an individual’s life, spiritually, emotionally, financially, and physically. In the year 2022, two-fifths of the adult population within the UK gambled each month1. Studies show that hundreds of thousands of adults experience serious gambling issues. One report found that problem gamblers were five times more likely to attempt suicide than other people2. Family, friends and the members of the community play a key role in the development and recovery of gambling habits. Research has shown that lack of social support is associated with an increased severity of gambling problems, as well as poorer treatment outcomes3. The purpose of this article is to examine the effect the community has on recovery in relation to gambling addictions, concluding with an alternative approach that can be taken by leaders and members of the community to help problem gamblers. 

It is important to note that this article should not be used as a substitute for addiction treatment. The points mentioned merely serve as support tips. If you or a loved one are directly affected by gambling, it is essential you seek support. Please visit the NHS website for services you can directly contact4. 

Societal impact on gambling recovery

In 2015, eight gambling counsellors shared their perspectives on public attitudes towards gambling and the potential impact it can have on seeking treatment and recovery5. All eight counsellors viewed that the negative attitudes and judgements held by the public in relation to gambling could result in gamblers taking longer to seek help, as well as experience a lengthened treatment process. Another study conducted in-depth interviews with 44 people experiencing gambling problems. Participants were seriously concerned that they would be viewed as a “problem gambler”, fearing that they would experience social rejection, hostile responses and demeaning behaviours6. In addition to this, many participants felt deep shame and reported internal self-esteem and social-worth problems. 

Unfortunately, one study found that South-Asian British Muslims were significantly more likely than non-Muslims to report feeling shame when accessing mental health services, which would prevent them from accessing such services7. A similar theme was found by Ayub & Macaulay in 20238, wherein fear of public opinion was associated with seeking mental health treatment amongst British Pakistani Muslims. Participants identified culture as a negative factor surrounding mental health and religion as a protective factor towards mental health. This is commonly observed in today’s communities and centres, wherein many cultural beliefs supersede religious teachings, for example, not seeking mental health due to being viewed as having weak Iman. Young Muslims with gambling addictions may be ashamed of seeking help due to the stigma surrounding it, this can end up conflicting with their need to satisfy their addiction, resulting in a vicious cycle.

The role of the Muslim community and practical suggestions

As Muslims, it is crucial that we educate ourselves and are empathetic to members of the community undergoing such difficulties, especially to the families that are directly affected by this. Our facilities should not be a place of shame and deprivement, but rather, of love, fostering physical, spiritual and mental well-being9. If our mosques and centres receive the blessed opportunity to be visited by those struggling, we should welcome them, and provide them with the support needed to help facilitate their treatment. 

Local imams have been shown to play a major role in the promotion of mental health10. Community leaders are encouraged to reach out to mental health services in delivering programs which aim to reduce stigma surrounding mental health11. Programs, information boards and/or leaflets can be made available within mosques and centres, educating them about the effects gambling. This can help tackle the lack of understanding surrounding gambling addictions. Mosques and centres can pair up with professionals to deliver gambling prevention and recovery programs, for example, parenting workshops which delve into the harms of gaming, and how it can be a pathway for gambling in the future. Lastly, mosques, centres, parents, siblings, friends and community members can encourage those around them to take part in physical activity. Regular physical activity releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which in turn can help in reducing gamble urges12. 

مَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا – Whoever saves a life is as though he had saved all mankind (Qur’an 5:32)

Important Note. This article has only briefly touched on a few points, and it requires a much deeper discussion.

References

1. https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/report/annual-report-and-accounts-2022-to-2023/annual-report-22-to-23-performance-report-overview-of-the-british-gambling#changes 
2. https://www.gamblingwithlives.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Gambling-Suicidal-Ideation-and-Completed-Suicides.pdf 
3. Petry, N. M., & Weiss, L. (2009). Social Support is Associated with Gambling Treatment Outcomes in Pathological Gamblers. American Journal on Addictions, 18(5), 402–408. https://doi.org/10.3109/10550490903077861
4. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/gambling-addiction/ 
5. Hing, N., Nuske, E., Gainsbury, S. M., Russell, A. M. T., & Breen, H. (2016). How does the stigma of problem gambling influence help-seeking, treatment and recovery? a view from the counselling sector. International Gambling Studies, 16(2), 263–280. https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2016.1171888 
6. Hing, N., Nuske, E., Gainsbury, S. M., & Russell, A. M. (2016). Perceived stigma and self-stigma of problem gambling: Perspectives of people with gambling problems. International Gambling Studies, 16(1), 31-48.
7. Pilkington, A., Msetfi, R. M., & Watson, R. (2011). Factors affecting intention to access psychological services amongst British Muslims of South Asian origin. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 15(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2010.545947 
8. Ayub, R., & Macaulay, P. J. (2023). Perceptions from the British Pakistani Muslim community towards mental health. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 26(2), 166-181.
9. Qu’ran 49:10-11
10. Abu-Ras, W., Gheith, A., & Cournos, F. (2008). The imam’s role in mental health promotion: A study at 22 mosques in New York City’s Muslim community. Journal of Muslim Mental Health, 3(2), 155-176. 
11. Hassan, A. N., Ragheb, H., Malick, A., Abdullah, Z., Ahmad, Y., Sunderji, N., & Islam, F. (2021). Inspiring Muslim minds: Evaluating a spiritually adapted psycho-educational program on addiction to overcome stigma in Canadian Muslim communities. Community mental health journal, 57, 644-654 
12. Okechukwu C. E. (2021). The Impact of Vigorous-Intensity Aerobic Exercise Training on Lifestyle Behavior and Mental Health of Male Problem Gamblers. International journal of preventive medicine, 12, 128. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_286_19