Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction

Identifying the warning signs of gambling addiction is the first step in getting help.

gambling and money problems
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to detect these red flags, especially if the gambler is in denial about the problem. For many families, the first sign that a member of the household has a gambling problem is the sudden loss of a large sum of money. However, there are other signs to watch for that may help prevent serious damage to a family’s welfare.

Unlike normal recreational gamblers, the problem gambler may display the following behaviors:

Giving up favorite hobbies, recreational activities, or family events in order to gamble
Opening up a new checking account or applying for new credit cards without any apparent need for more money
Possessing large amounts of cash, which then disappear
Acting secretive or defensive about one’s gambling activities
Having difficulties at work or conflicts in relationships because of gambling wins or losses
Loss of control over how much money is wagered in any given gambling session
Attempting to stop gambling without success
Placing increasingly large bets or taking increasingly dangerous risks (such as borrowing money from illegal sources or stealing from others)
Expressing guilt, shame, or remorse about gambling yet being unable to stop
Asking to borrow money from friends or family members, with no obvious need for extra cash
Lying about activities or spending habits
Spending a lot of time online and refusing to talk about activities on the computer

problem gambling statistics

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The most obvious repercussions of gambling addiction are often financial. Problem gamblers can lose alarming sums of money in a very short period of time.

impact of gambling addiction

In addition to the monetary impact of gambling, there are many psychological and physical side effects, such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Substance abuse
Insomnia
Stomach problems
Heart problems

The loss of large amounts of money can be devastating to problem gamblers. They may fall into a severe depression, which may lead to suicidal thoughts, self-destructive behavior, or attempted suicide. In order to alleviate feelings of depression and despair, gamblers may use this addictive process as a way to escape or to fix their problems. Gambling thus becomes a cycle in which the elation or depression that follow an episode lead to greater risk-taking and higher bets.

Gambling Rehab & Addiction Treatment