Warning Signs Of Problem Gambling
- Warning Signs Of Problem Gambling Disorder
- Warning Signs Of Problem Gambling Problems
- Warning Signs Of Problem Gambling
Financial problems:Problem gamblers often develop financial problems caused by their gambling. People who suspect they or a loved one has a problem with gambling can visit the National Council on Problem Gambling at www.ncpgambling.org or call 1-800-522-4700 for help. 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. Some warning signs that you or someone you know may have a gambling problem include an increase in the amount spent while gambling, borrowing money from others to use at casinos, or obsessing over.
Gambling addiction isn't diffcult to determine. Here are the symptoms and signs of addiction to gambling.
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. Someone who is beginning to have a problem with gambling may show some of the following behavioral changes: Getting frustrated easily or lashing out Appear anxious or agitated frequently Feel depressed or hopeless.
What are the Signs of Gambling Addiction?
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
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.
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.
Warning Signs Of Problem Gambling Disorder
Sources:
Warning Signs Of Problem Gambling Problems
- DSM IV - American Psychiatric Association
- GamblingResearch.org
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Warning Signs Of Problem Gambling
APA Reference
Gluck, S. (2009, December 22). Signs of Gambling Addiction, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, December 16 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/signs-gambling-addiction