I think that the sordid topic is little treated in the frequency of the comparison for the personal effect, which then underlies the (1)family aspect, (2)work and (3)money, since the topics always derive according to who exposes them in any of them:1,2,3.
Casino games have been established, it is accepted in many parts of the world, so that very fact of having to hide or go to play in seedy places, both in person and online, has changed, and that in essence has greatly improved the lives of the gamblers.
That is to say, there are positive aspects, always. Not everyone is affected, and you cannot treat it as if there is no other choice, it is not an assertive phrase, it is not 100%.Topic: Subject.
I have played poker at different stages of my life, as a student, unmarriedand then as a person responsible for having a family and poker has never affected my life.
The best advice if you are going through any of those stages that you mention, is to stop playing, completely. And once you can do it, decide what your priorities are, if making a bet is something that benefits you in some way, just do it, and the benefit does not have to be monetary, it can be leisure, fun or simply login.