How to Recognize a gambling Problem

Going to the casino, placing a bet on a sporting event, and investing in recreational-drugs are just some examples of how people can find themselves gambling. Unfortunately, using these sources as an escape or coping mechanism can be dangerous and harmful. And you're not alone — approximately two-thirds of Americans admit to gambling even if they don't consider it "problematic".

In this article, we provide some tips for recognizing when gambling is turning into a problem for yourself or someone else and what steps you should take to address it. We also include some ways that adults with gambling problems might avoid going broke by getting help from professionals before it's too late.

What is Gambling Addiction?

People who have a gambling addiction usually catch themselves thinking about the next bet even when they're not playing. This can be detrimental to their health, relationships, and finances.

Gambling addiction is a form of behavioral addiction (addiction to a behavior or substance that produces pleasure). Addictions fall into two categories: substance-related and process-related. Substance-related addictions are ones for which we have an innate response to, like drugs or alcohol. Process-related addictions are learned behaviors that provide short-term pleasure but long term pain and suffering — examples of process addictions include gambling and binge eating.

What causes someone to develop a gambling problem?

It's not just that there's an urge to gamble. The urge and the action are not always the same thing. Some people get the urge and choose not to act on it, but in gambling addiction, the two are usually intertwined.

Most people realize early on that gambling can lead to financial problems, but they still gamble and sometimes go broke as a result. It is common for people who have some experience in playing games of chance and winning money over time to begin betting more frequently than they win. They start putting more money down on each bet, come up short, feel disappointed and angry — then they get even more determined to do better on their next attempt.

Seeing how much money gambling can make some people feel like it's the answer to their problems, especially if they have a problem controlling their impulses. They start out looking for a good time, but gambling can quickly turn into a habit, and then into an addiction.

The probability of developing a gambling addiction is influenced by three things: physiological factors, environmental factors, and individual vulnerability factors. Physiological factors include being prone to alcoholism or having a history of substance abuse. Environmental factors include being surrounded by gambling opportunities — such as casinos in your area — or having easy access to credit cards or other sources of money that you may not be able to pay off easily. Individual vulnerability factors include having other mental disorders, anxiety, or a history of abusing substances.

What does gambling addiction look like?

Like any other addiction, gambling encompasses a range of behavioral patterns. Something that is noticeable about extreme cases is that it takes up a large portion of the addicted person's time and energy. In addition to being unable to stop thinking about the next bet, they often neglect chores and obligations like paying bills or going to work while they keep searching for the next opportunity to gamble. The idea of "winning big" overshadows their responsibilities and once they start gambling, it can be hard for them to leave — even if they're losing money — because that would mean giving up their chance at hitting it big again.

Some people gamble for the rush it gives them, and others do it to escape from their problems or to get rid of a bad mood. If a person is trying to play mind games with themselves by getting "lucky", they may develop superstitious tendencies as a result because of the importance they have placed on these games.

When is gambling addiction problematic?

If you're addicted to gambling, chances are you're trying to hide it from yourself and those around you, which makes it hard for someone else to tell if they're not in your shoes. If a friend is spending too much money, it could be because he's having financial problems, but all he knows is that he can't stop gambling. If a family member is using pornography as a substitute for sex with his wife/husband, it can be hard to know whether the person is dealing with real issues or if the problem is caused by gambling habits.

It's important to monitor obvious signs like missing income when you're concerned about someone else's gambling habits. If your friend begins missing work, or if your husband or wife cuts back on the amount of money they're contributing to the household, it could be a sign that they're gambling more than they can afford.

What should I do if I think I have a gambling problem?

It's hard to notice and admit you have a problem when you're living in denial about it. But it's important for you to get help before it turns into addiction. The first step is to recognize that the situation is out of control so you can stop hoping things will change on their own.

The next step is deciding whether or not you are ready to take action and how much help you will need in order to make and maintain these changes. What will you do to get help? Will you seek out a therapist or counselor? Do you need to learn about your gambling behavior just to feel in control of it? What does your family think about it? If family members don't want you to have a problem, they probably won't be able to support your recovery, so it's best if everyone is on board before you get started.

It's also important for you and for others around you to try out different strategies for monitoring and preventing relapse until you've reached a point where the problem is manageable. As soon as one person offers help and support, there may be less resistance at home.

Why should I go to treatment?

Most people don't seek treatment for their gambling problem until it has already become a serious problem that is impacting the person's life in many negative ways.

It can be hard to notice and admit you have a problem when you're living in denial about it. But recognizing that the situation is out of control and making an effort to change are the best ways to begin recovery from gambling addiction.

Many people who gamble have problems with other addictions as well, such as drug, alcohol or food abuse.

Conclusion

You can't change your gambling habits overnight, but you can learn how to control them and establish healthy alternatives for yourself.

Remember, there is always hope for recovery from any addiction. You deserve a life that is healthy and satisfying. The first step is always the hardest one, but with support it gets easier and easier every day.

If you would like to know more about gambling addiction treatment please call our toll-free helpline today . . . . It's a good choice! We look forward to speaking with you!

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