To begin with, how many gambling addicts go for rehabilitation??? This is not about drugs that could cause a psychic issue that would be easily noticed and calls for urgent concern, it's gambling and many of those people who are gambling addicts might at times not know by themselves and also at times, might not be noticed by others too. The latter has happened to me in 2013, despite being addicted to playing lotteries back then, none of my family members know despite living with them daily. I actually realised by myself that something was wrong, which made me fight it and was able to come out of it within two weeks.
The impact of gambling is almost the same as some of the effects of other addictions such as the drugs you mentioned, but there is a slight difference in them, drugs have a very significant impact on a person's health and also from a mental perspective they will definitely be disturbed. Then the impact of gambling itself tends to be psychological and mental, and there is no significant impact on health. It's true, as you mentioned, it's hard to tell someone is addicted or not gambling, because it's almost invisible. They really need attention from others to help them in self-rehab. I hope that gamblers can at least tell the people closest to them about their addiction problem, because indeed if they find it difficult to stop themselves from gambling (addiction) only other people can help them at least they will benefit. lots of input or suggestions to get out of the zone.
I said all these to roar the inner mind of a gambling addict, it might be late before people started noticing and it could be so disastrous at that later stage. They, as adults are saddled with the responsibility of observing themselves regularly and exercising the necessary measure before it's too late. Everything should be done in moderation no matter how you love the thing, and in everything you do in gambling, gamble responsibly and be disciplined.
Gambling addiction is an act that is carried out under human consciousness, so it is difficult for them to get out of the zone because emotions and curiosity have controlled them unconsciously. If they don't start trying it from now on it will have a very bad impact on them, I mean if someone continues to let their addiction run then they will definitely experience a downturn in their life. It is undeniable that in the end they will take the wrong path, such as suicide due to stress with psychiatric problems. So the point is that hopefully all gamblers can be more open to those closest to them and tell them what they are experiencing, because it is very likely that those closest to us can help us if we really have the intention to stop.