Signs of a Gambling Problem

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that nearly two million Americans annually are pathological gamblers, according to diagnostic criteria. “Problem gamblers,” which means that they don’t meet the criteria for pathological gambling, make up a group of an additional 4-6 million. Like alcohol, millions of people have gambled without falling into addictive or pathological behaviors as a result of it. But, also like alcohol, those who do develop problems can fall into a downward spiral that destroys the lives of the gambler and their family. The following signs suggest that a person’s gambling behavior may have escalated to a serious problem that may require professional help to address.

Hiding or justifying the behavior

If you have caught the person lying about their behavior, or hiding its frequency, this may be a sign of a serious problem. If they tell you that they are going to visit a friend and you later discover that they went to the race track, they are probably aware of the fact that their behavior is not normal, and that you would disapprove.

An obsession with the behavior and its potential results

Because no substance that can alter brain chemistry is consumed, problem gambling cannot cause physical addiction. However, it may result in the same type of response that psychological addiction to substances creates. Drug addicts and alcoholics are often preoccupied with searching for the next high. A similar pattern in a gambler should be a red flag.

The behavior increases in frequency or intensity

Like substance addictions, gambling problems often follow an increasingly severe path. In other words, as the problem gambler allows the behavior to dominate their life, they often begin to seek “bigger” or “more frequent” “highs”. This might translate into putting more money on the table, or logging onto gambling websites constantly throughout the day.

Failed attempts to stop

Regardless of whether it was their decision to try to stop or if it was the result of familial pressure, a failed attempt at stopping the behavior may mean that the problem has reached a degree where professional help is necessary.

Negative effects on the addict’s life

For problem gamblers, gambling ends up being only one of their problems. Some lose their property – like houses and cars – and then continue going into debt to fuel their behavior. This can damage relationships and force an employer to terminate the gambler’s career. If the gambler has reached this point, there is a problem. But even if you are noticing smaller negative disruptions in their life, it may be cause for concern.

A reason to “escape”

Many addicts – alcoholics, substance abusers, and those with behavior disorders – often use the addiction as a coping mechanism for some other life event or situation they are trying to forget or avoid. Certainly, this does not apply to all people who develop problems with gambling, other behaviors, or substances. However, if they have a negative experience overshadowing their life, they may be at an increased risk for developing a problem.

The Next Step

If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, we encourage you to call eDrug Rehab today. Our specialists can work with you to find a solution.