Gambling
A gambling addiction is when a person has uncontrollable urges to gamble despite how much money he has or any negative consequences it may cause should they lose this money.
Gambling addiction is a hidden illness because there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms like there are in drug or alcohol addiction. Problem gamblers typically deny or minimize the problem. They also go to great lengths to hide their gambling. For example, problem gamblers often withdraw from their loved ones, sneak around, and lie about where they’ve been and what they’ve been up to.
Gamblers can have a problem, however, without being totally out of control. Problem gambling is any gambling behaviour that disrupts your life.
If you’re preoccupied with gambling, spending more and more time and money on it, chasing losses, or gambling despite serious consequences, you have a gambling problem.
Gambling Addiction Signs
- Have you ever had to hide the fact that you are gambling?
- Have family or friends ever expressed concerns about your gambling habits?
- Do you gamble even when you don’t have the money?
- Do you have trouble controlling your gambling. Once you start gambling do you find in hard to walk away?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions then it’s probable that you have a gambling problem.
Treatment
The biggest step in treatment is realising you have a problem with gambling. It takes tremendous strength and courage to own up to this, especially if you have lost a lot of money and strained or broken relationships along the way. Don’t despair, and don’t try to go it alone as we are here to help.
