Gambling addiction is also known as compulsive gambling or problem gambling and is, as all addictions are, an illness of the brain. It is referred to as an impulse control disorder because those affected will feel compelled to gamble, even when they know that to do so will have negative consequences for themselves and/or their loved ones. Signs that someone may have a problem with gambling include anxiety or stress, as well as lying about their gambling habits and betting more than they can lose. Some may even push themselves away from their relatives or loved ones just so they can “play in peace”. 8 Warning Signs to Watch. An individual with a gambling addiction experiences the same effects in the brain as someone who has an alcohol or drug addiction, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. The effects of gambling can be just as devastating as alcohol/drugs, even deadly in cases of suicide and reckless life-threatening. Defining Problem Gambling. Problem gambling is just that — a problem. The National Council on Problem Gambling shares that 1% of the population has a gambling addiction while another 2-3%, “do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling, but meet one of more of the criteria and are experiencing problems due to their.
The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists the following criteria for pathological gambling: preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, escape, chasing, lying, loss of control, illegal acts, risk of significant relationship, and bailout.
Preoccupation
One sure sign of gambling addiction is preoccupation. Preoccupation occurs when the gambler constantly thinks about gambling. He or she may frequently recall past gambling experiences. The gambler's life is now centered on gambling and how to acquire money with which to gamble. A preoccupied gambler may duck out of certain obligations and spend money designated for other purposes just to fulfill the gratification gained by gambling.
Tolerance
In the same way that a drug abuser can become tolerant of the substance that he or she is taking, one of the keys signs of a gambling addiction is the gambler becoming tolerant of gambling. The gambler becomes tolerant when he or she needs more and more money to achieve the desired sensation, just as a cocaine addict may need more and more cocaine.
Withdrawal: Another Sign of Gambling Addiction
Halting gambling may lead to withdrawal. This withdrawal may not come in a form as physical as the body's withdrawal from a substance, but a gambler suffering from withdrawal may experience agitation and irritability when he or she tries to gamble less or quit gambling altogether.
Escape
Pathological gamblers may also use gambling to escape from the world. They may be attempting to run away from their problems or to combat negative feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression.
Chasing
Gambling Disorder Symptoms
The gambling addict may also become a chaser of losses. In other words, when the gambler loses money, he or she returns the next day to try to gain it back or get even with the house. Dice gambling games street.
Lying
You may have seen this sign of gambling addiction. Gambling addiction can lead to lying to both family members and friends about how the gambler is getting the money to gamble and the amount of time he or she is spending gambling.
Loss of Control
If you or a loved one has tried over and over again to stop gambling, this may be a sign that you have lost control to your gambling addiction and need to seek help. (more information about gambling addiction help)
Illegal Acts
Many compulsive gamblers become so in need of funds for their addiction that they resort to stealing—through larceny, fraud, or embezzlement—in order to continue their habits.
Risk of Significant Relationships
Another of the gambling addiction symptoms is how the gambler's relationships are affected, including jobs, personal relationships, educational opportunities, and so forth.
Final Gambling Addiction Sign: Bailout
A final symptom of gambling addiction is relying on others for monetary support for financial problems created by gambling.
Sources:
DSM IV - American Psychiatric Association
GamblingResearch.org
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APA Reference Gluck, S. (2009, December 22). Signs of Gambling Addiction, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, November 17 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/signs-gambling-addiction
Most people who gamble do so with no harmful effects. They set limits and stick to them. However, for a small percentage of the population, gambling can become more than a game, and lead to serious consequences for both the gambler and their family.
Here are some of the warning signs:
For the Gambler:
Gambling to escape worry or trouble
Gambling to get money to solve financial difficulties
Unable to stop playing regardless of winning or losing
Gambling until the last dollar is gone
Losing time from work due to gambling
Borrowing money to pay gambling debts
Neglecting family because of gambling
Lying about time and money spent gambling
For the Family:
Unexplained financial problems
Reduced involvement in social/group activities outside the home
Emotional distress, anger, depression
Lack of communication among family members
Items of value lost or missing
Family members working overtime or taking a second job to make ends meet
One member (gambler) noticeably absent from or disinterested in normal family activities
If you are concerned about yourself or someone in your family, learn more at Get Help Nowor call the 24-hour Problem Gamblers Helpline.
Take the Self-Test
Are you unsure if your gambling is becoming a problem? Answering the following questions may help you decide:
Do you ever miss work or school, or fail to take care of other responsibilities because of gambling?
Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
Is your gambling affecting your reputation?
Do you ever have feelings of remorse, regret or guilt after gambling?
Do you ever gamble in hopes of winning money to take care of financial problems?
Is gambling causing a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
After losing, do you want to gamble again as soon as possible to try to win back your money?
After you win, do you have a strong urge to keep gambling and win more?
Do you often gamble until you’ve spent your last dollar?
Do you ever borrow from other people or take advances on credit cards to get money to gamble?
Have you ever sold anything to get money to gamble or to pay gambling debts?
Do you ever hold off paying bills so you can have money to gamble?
Have you ever been careless of the wellbeing of yourself or your family because of your gambling?
Do you ever gamble longer than you planned?
Do you gamble as a way to cope with stress or avoid painful feelings?
Have you ever thought about, or done something illegal to get money for gambling or to solve a financial problem caused by gambling?
Does the stress of gambling cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
Do arguments, disappointments, or frustrations cause you to have urges to gamble?
Do you ever feel the urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
Have you ever considered self-harm or suicide because of your gambling?
If you answered “Yes” to seven or more of these questions, you could be a problem gambler, but help is available! Learn more about treatment and support resources at Get Help Now.