Spotting Gambling Addiction
Compulsive gambling can be a serious addiction that causes financial, career and family difficulties.
Gambling addiction may not be easily identifiable; however, there are certain telltale signs you should watch out for that may point towards possible addiction:
1. Loss of control
Gambling addiction can quickly spiral out of control, especially when used to pay rent or bills that should otherwise have been prioritized instead. Gambling money that should have gone elsewhere could become wasted or lead to severe debt issues and ultimately bankruptcy.
Gambling addictions often cause people to lie about their finances or steal, signaling it is time for professional help.
Gambling affects people from all backgrounds; whether a minimum-wage worker, CEO, college student, or an older individual. Gambling addictions may strain or even break relationships with family and friends; miss work/school days due to gambling addiction can occur; mood swings due to gambling addiction can also often go misinterpreted for something else causing problems; for this reason it’s essential that anyone experiencing problems speak to a trusted confidant/counselor about them as soon as possible as this could make all the difference for treatment outcome and outcomes.
2. Denial
Denial is a common defense mechanism to shield oneself from uncomfortable truths, protecting self-esteem or avoiding feelings that are too painful to address. But denial can be harmful and even fatal for our physical wellbeing if used inappropriately; whether that means ignoring relationship problems or refusing to admit addiction issues.
Individuals struggling with gambling addiction may deny how their habit is impacting their life, family and finances. Furthermore, they may resist acknowledging they have an issue despite when others make this observation.
Talking to your loved one about their gambling habits and encouraging them to seek treatment is of utmost importance, but do it in an approachable and non-confrontational way in order to ensure they feel supported rather than judged or punished. Make sure there’s enough space and time for discussion start off by asking how they are managing with gambling issues.
3. Financial problems
People struggling with gambling addiction can be crippled financially, leading them down a dangerous path of deception and lies regarding money spent, delayed bill payment or even theft from creditors owed money by them. Furthermore, their addiction often prevents them from quitting gambling outright due to an expectation that recouping losses will eventually happen leading to further issues such as bankruptcy and debt.
Gambling can be an enjoyable hobby and there are various places where you can buy lottery or scratch ticket, place bets on sports events, and purchase scratch cards or lottery tickets. But if gambling becomes an addiction and negative consequences result, professional therapy or counselling could be essential in providing help and therapy.
Reducing temptation by restricting access to cash and avoiding clubs, pubs and TABs. Consider setting up direct debit or cheque payments each payday and refrain from spending large sums of money on leisure activities such as shopping or dining-out.
4. Changes in behavior
Gambling may initially seem like a harmless pastime, but addiction to this form of entertainment can quickly escalate into something much more serious. Recognizing warning signs associated with this disorder will allow you to act swiftly and seek professional assistance before it’s too late.
Signs of compulsive gambling include mood swings and hiding money to fund their habit. Compulsive gamblers may also lie to loved ones or use illegal means like theft to recoup losses; such as by taking items or money stolen from them.
People struggling with gambling addiction may withdraw from friends and family as they feel embarrassed by their behavior. Enabling it by bailing them out or paying their bills only serves to compound the situation; you can help these individuals recover by setting boundaries and encouraging healthier lifestyle habits-such as increasing sleep-time, decreasing screen-time or eating healthful meals more regularly.
