Symptoms of Problem Gambling
Could gambling be causing difficulties for you or someone close to you? Problem gambling is more widespread than many people assume. As with drugs and alcohol, repeated gambling can alter neural circuits involved in impulse control and decision-making. Continued play and wins stimulate the brain’s reward system and may, in some cases, contribute to addiction.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Problem Gambling
Compulsive gambling is a serious condition that can damage every area of a person’s life. Common signs of problem gambling include the following:
Persistent Preoccupation
When gambling becomes an addiction, it can strongly influence how a person thinks and feels. They may be consumed by thoughts about gameplay, strategy and winning, while continually planning ways to find more money for gambling. For some people, this preoccupation becomes overwhelming and begins to affect their overall well-being.
Using Gambling to Escape Problems
Addiction is often connected with a triggering event. Some people gamble to escape a difficult relationship or job, while others seek relief from guilt, anxiety, depression or helplessness. Compulsive gambling can also emerge after a traumatic experience, including a death in the family or a serious injury or illness.
Lying to Other People
As gambling shifts from a pastime to a serious addiction, a person may lie to conceal what is happening. People affected by gambling addiction can feel guilty or ashamed of their behaviour, so they may hide their gambling activities from family members and friends.
Continuing to Bet More Money
People experiencing gambling problems often struggle to walk away. Whether they are playing the slot machines or a table game such as blackjack or roulette, they may feel compelled to keep increasing their bets to recapture the excitement of a win. Unfortunately, larger and more frequent bets can also lead to more losses.
Being Unable to Stop
Compulsive gamblers may understand that their behaviour is harmful and feel badly about it, yet stopping can be extremely difficult, as with other addictions. Someone with a gambling problem may invent reasons why they “have” to gamble. They might attempt to quit or reduce their play, but often achieve little success.
Constantly “Chasing” Losses
Losses are inevitable in casino gambling. The house has an edge, and regardless of the strategies used, you are likely to lose more through gambling than you will win. People with gambling addictions may repeatedly try to recover money they have lost, causing even more substantial losses over time. Continuing to “chase” losses can eventually leave gamblers deeply in debt.
Resorting to Theft or Fraud
When a gambling addiction uses up available money, a person may look for other ways to obtain funds. In some cases, this means resorting to theft or fraud to continue playing. Someone may steal from friends or family, rob a bank or business, or take items to sell. The resulting cycle of theft, fraud and deception can continue for many years or end only when law enforcement intervenes.
Borrowing Money
Borrowing is another common way for compulsive gamblers to finance continued play. They may ask friends, family members or coworkers for money, or rely on credit card companies. They often hide the real purpose and offer a false explanation, such as needing help with rent or a bill. If problem gambling continues, they may no longer have the resources to repay what they owe.
Jeopardizing Opportunities
Gambling addiction affects more than a person’s finances. When gambling becomes the main priority, other parts of life can seem less important. Personal relationships may suffer, work performance may decline and schoolwork may be neglected. The person may also miss valuable travel, career or educational opportunities because gambling takes precedence.
Developing an Obsession
Gambling can move beyond fun and excitement until it becomes an obsession. At that point, the person may be unable to stop thinking about gambling and may constantly anticipate the next chance to play. Conversations can repeatedly turn back to gaming, while free time is spent researching casino information and gambling strategies.
Get Help for Problem Gambling
Recognizing that gambling has become a problem is an important step towards recovery. Self-help may include finding a different outlet, building a stronger support system and joining a peer support group. If these approaches are not enough, speak with a doctor about treatment options, which may include an inpatient treatment or rehab program or cognitive-behavioural therapy.
