8 Signs of Gambling Addiction You Must Watch For

Gambling is among the most dangerous social evils since it gives the appearance of earning easy cash while also having a high potential for financial destruction. Gambling addiction is a serious problem that can lead to major consequences. It starts when a person believes they are in a financial disaster and can only cure their issues by gambling all the money that they have in an effort to win big. The need for money, the craving for excitement, the social standing linked with being a professional gambler, and the exciting environment of the commercial gambling scene are just a few of the variables that might lead to gambling addiction.

However, you can stay alert and withdraw when necessary by being aware of gambling addiction’s evident signs and symptoms. Let’s look at some signs of gambling addiction. 

1.   Being Obsessed with Gambling

Being obsessed with gambling is one of the hallmarks of an addiction. Gambling addicts are fascinated with gambling and could become so obsessed with it that they lose interest in other things. Among the many identifying indicators of gambling addiction are continuous fantasies about gambling or playing to the point where it interferes with other aspects of your life. Because a gambling problem does not often clearly express itself, compulsive gambling is typically regarded as a “silent killer.”

2.   Not Being Able to Stop

 Naturally, an unmistakable indicator of a gambling issue is that you believe you cannot stop, just like with any other addiction. You likely have a gambling addiction if you constantly feel like you have to give it another go or if just thinking about stopping makes you feel uneasy and restless. Compulsive gamblers frequently attempt to reduce or stop gambling, and while they occasionally succeed for a brief period, they always relapse because they lack self-control.

3.   Lying About Your Gambling Behavior

One essential symptom that must be considered is lying to conceal an addiction and the behaviors that accompany it. The need to gamble gets so intense that the individual will do whatever it takes to place the next wager, which frequently includes lying about their whereabouts, what they’ve been doing, and what became of their money. An individual with a gambling addiction would also begin deceiving themselves and rationalizing their actions, even if the justifications they offer are untrue or illogical.

4.   Gambling to Boost Happiness

Gamblers frequently cite their happiness as justification for engaging in compulsive gambling. If your happiness or mood depends on gambling, there’s a significant likelihood that you are addicted. 

Psychologically, an addict may become agitated, unhappy, or anxious when not gambling. These are all indications of emotional detachment, which happens when a gambler develops a gambling obsession and believes they must gamble to feel fulfilled and content.

5.   You Take Out Loans To Fund Your Gambling

One of the main causes of the financial difficulties that gambling addicts frequently have is acquiring money to gamble. First, they will exhaust conventional borrowing options like a bank loan, credit line, or second mortgage. Following that, individuals might turn to extremely high-interest loans like credit cards or even illegal loan sharks. Finally, they are so determined to keep gambling that they will do almost anything to get more money, frequently hoping that fortune will be on their side and they will become extremely wealthy over time.

6.   Placing Bets without The Fear Of Going Broke

Gambling addicts might even remortgage their homes or gamble away their legacy or savings to fund their habit. Other financial issues are neglected or delayed. Compulsive gamblers develop such an intense obsession with gambling that even squandering their money doesn’t make them give up their bad habits.

They don’t fear the consequences; they can spend all their assets and even bet their paychecks, housing, grocery cash, and other accessible funds. For someone with a gambling habit, being bankrupt from gambling is a real concern.

7.   Family and Friends Become Aware of the Symptoms

Friends and family may ultimately begin to realize that the addict has an issue, even though they have become skilled at lying to hide their gambling tendencies and money losses. Addicts frequently reject the issue when worried relatives and friends voice their concerns.

Friends and relatives might become more demanding when the severity of the issue becomes apparent. The persistent worry is seen as annoying by gamblers, and as a response, they may alienate their loved ones. This might also lead to social isolation and depression, which should be addressed before it becomes more severe.

8.   Breaking Laws and Stealing 

An addict will frequently breach the law to obtain the funds they require for gambling or to make up for losses. They will not realize that doing so is wrong and will justify it by saying they cannot help themselves. Gambling addiction can manifest itself as theft, deception, or other legal transgressions that should not be disregarded because they may result in jail time or suspension and more severe repercussions.

Final Thoughts 

Gambling addiction may be brought on by inherent stress induced by a trying period in your life, whether it is related to employment, a relationship, or money. Some psychological therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help in the recovery of a person from a gambling addiction.

This entails examining the reasoning behind gambling, including the probability of winning, notions of skill and luck, and the possibility of trying to recover one’s financial stability. Psychological treatments can also deal with underlying issues, including social rejection, sadness, or anxiety.

That said, consult your doctor as soon as possible if you believe that you or anyone around you may have a gambling problem. Your doctor can later recommend a psychologist if necessary. The best way to stop gambling from getting severe is to seek help as soon as a problem is noticed.