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Compulsive gambling is often referred to as a “silent killer” simply because an addiction to gambling does not always readily stand out. The signs of gambling addiction are often overlooked as something else such as a desire to play games, an urge to win money, or anything but a compulsive disorder that is out of control. But often times, the desire to gamble is so strong and the addiction is so serious that severe personal and social consequences, even death, can result.
It may be difficult to recognize the signs of gambling addiction for one reason or another. According to the US National Library of Medicine, chronic gamblers often lead seemingly normal lives, but in the background there is a serious problem at hand. Eventually, the addiction will cause destructive outcomes, and there will be no mistaking the signs of gambling addiction. At that point, the biggest concern will be where to find help.
If you’re unsure whether you or a loved one is experiencing gambling addiction, look for the following signs. If you notice these red flags that indicate there’s a problem, don’t ignore them. Help is available.
1. Obsession with Gambling
Stealing in order to gamble is a sign of addiction.
One of the most common signs of gambling addiction is the obsession that comes with it. Those addicted to gambling are obsessed with gambling and may be preoccupied with gambling to a point at which they don’t care about anything else. Compulsive thoughts about gambling or gambling obsessively to a point in which it causes other problems in your life are just a few of the common signs of gambling addiction.
2. Unable to Stop Gambling
Have you tried to quit gambling, made an honest commitment to quit, and failed? If you are unable to stop gambling despite your desire to do so, you could be addicted to gambling. The inability to quit even when you want to is one of many signs of gambling addiction that most individuals tend to immediately overlook or write off as something else.
3. Gambling Despite Consequences
Has gambling caused problems in your life such as financial difficulties, loss of a job, or relationship problems? Many people tend to overlook even the most prominent signs of gambling addiction: when it causes negative consequences in your life and yet you continue to gamble anyway.
4. Psychological Withdrawal When NOT Gambling
Sometimes, the signs of gambling addiction are very similar to the signs of other addictions such as a drug or alcohol addiction. Psychologically, when a person with a gambling disorder is not gambling, he or she may be irritable, depressed or restless. These are all signs of emotional withdrawal which results when someone is obsessed with gambling and has a perceived “need” to gamble in order to be happy.
5. Gambling to Improve Happiness
Do you or does someone you know seemingly gamble in order to be happy or have fun? If gambling is a necessary component of your happiness or elevated mood, there’s a good chance that gambling addiction is to blame. This is one of many commonly overlooked signs of gambling addiction that people to mistake for some other problem. Gambling to mask problems, feel happy, or otherwise improve your emotions is a sure sign that there is a bigger problem at hand.
6. Stealing or Otherwise Breaking the Law to Gamble
Someone who is addicted to gambling will often break the law in order to have the money that they need to gamble or to recover their losses. Stealing, committing fraud, or otherwise breaking the law to fuel the habit are all signs of gambling addiction that should not be overlooked and could lead to greater consequences including jail time or probation.
7. Denying That There is a Problem
Denial is a common sign of gambling addiction. To state that there is not a problem when there really is happens to be common ground amongst people experiencing any type of addiction. If you suspect that a loved one has a gambling problem and you have hard evidence to back it up, yet he or she continues to deny the problem, it could be time to seek professional help.
8. Financial Problems
One of the most prevalent signs of gambling addiction is financial problems that result from the compulsive gambling disorder. A friend may all off a sudden have problems with his or her personal finances, or they may ask to borrow money often. Compulsive gamblers depend on others to provide them with money either to gamble or to pay expenses because they lost their money gambling.
9. Mood Swings
Compulsive gambling, especially when the gambling takes place as part of a double life of which friends and family are unaware, can lead to excessive mood swings. Mood swings are often overlooked or mistaken for upset that is not the result of the addiction. but most often, mood swings are one of the signs of gambling addiction that should be spotted early on.
10. Hiding Gambling Behavior
As compulsive gambling progresses, and the individual comes under scrutiny from his or her friends or family members, it is not uncommon for them to begin hiding gambling behaviors. Hiding the behavior is one of the more common signs of gambling addiction. It’s also one that’s really hard for outsiders to spot because they don’t know what’s going on with the individuals. But recognizing that it’s wrong to hide behaviors from loved ones is a step in the right direction when it comes to finding help for a compulsive gambling disorder.
Next Steps
The next step after identifying a gambling disorder is to get the support you or your loved one needs. Effective, freeing help is available. Find treatment near you today.