It may be challenging for you to acknowledge when gambling shifts from harmless entertainment to a vice-grip addiction. It can sneak up on you, and before you know it, it’s got you. But know that you’re not alone. Gambling addiction affects about 1% of our population. That’s more than 3 million people who are controlled by their urges. But if you understand the warning signs, you’ll get closer to seeking help and reclaiming control over your life.
Here are some of the signs that may indicate you have an addiction to gambling:
1.You think about it … a lot. If you find yourself constantly thinking about gambling, planning your next bet, or reliving past wins and losses, you have a heightened preoccupation with gambling activities, which could indicate a problem.
2.You can’t control it. Despite your best intentions, you may find yourself unable to stop or limit your gambling. Even when you’re faced with negative consequences like massive financial losses or conflicts with your spouse or other family members, you still want to gamble.
3.You lose—and yet gamble even more. You keep thinking that you’re just one win away from redemption, so you try to recoup your losses by gambling more. This is known as “chasing losses” and can lead you into a cycle of escalating bets and more losses.
4.You neglect your responsibilities. Gambling addiction can be all-encompassing and cause you to neglect responsibilities at work, school, or home in favor of satisfying the urge to gamble. Those with gambling addiction will skip work or school, neglect household duties, drop hobbies and other interests, and/or neglect their personal hygiene so they can spend more time gambling.
5.You borrow money. Once your money is gone or no longer accessible, you may resort to borrowing money to fund your gambling habit. This is a huge red flag. If you’re tapping friends, family, or financial institutions to gamble, your gambling may be out of control.
6.You lie and keep secrets. Feeling shame and guilt and lying about your gambling habits or hiding your behavior from loved ones are signs that you can’t control your addiction.
7.You experience mood swings. Gambling addiction can take a toll on your emotional well-being, leading to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression.
If any of these signs seem familiar either in you or a loved one, you should get yourself or them help as soon as possible. Our professional support and treatment plans can help with overcoming gambling addiction and getting back control.
We provide nonjudgmental, compassionate, and confidential support for people just like you who are struggling with gambling addiction. Our counselors and coaches work together to provide personalized treatment plans that address each person’s unique needs and challenges. Take the first step toward recovery by completing our free Self-Assessment. Then contact us to learn more about your options.