Gambling is a problem most people never expect to have. There’s nothing wrong with having a couple of beers and putting some change in the pokies but when gambling becomes excessive and the cash starts to run out, gambling can cause other serious problems like depression, anxiety, alcoholism, and homelessness.

1. Many people whose partners have gambling addictions often report initially thinking their partner was having an affair as the signs are so similar.
2. Problem gambling has a broad severity spectrum and its cause appears to be related to several factors. Below are some of the more common signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling: Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries, or reduce depression Losing interest in other things.
3. Problem gambling generally means gambling that involves more than one symptom but fewer than the at least five symptoms required to qualify for the diagnosis of compulsive or pathological gambling. Binge gambling is a subtype of compulsive gambling that involves problem gambling but only during discrete periods of time.

Gambling addiction isn't diffcult to determine. Here are the symptoms and signs of addiction to gambling.

What are the Signs of Gambling Addiction?

The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists the following criteria for pathological gambling: preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, escape, chasing, lying, loss of control, illegal acts, risk of significant relationship, and bailout.

Preoccupation

One sure sign of gambling addiction is preoccupation. Preoccupation occurs when the gambler constantly thinks about gambling. He or she may frequently recall past gambling experiences. The gambler's life is now centered on gambling and how to acquire money with which to gamble. A preoccupied gambler may duck out of certain obligations and spend money designated for other purposes just to fulfill the gratification gained by gambling.

Tolerance

In the same way that a drug abuser can become tolerant of the substance that he or she is taking, one of the keys signs of a gambling addiction is the gambler becoming tolerant of gambling. The gambler becomes tolerant when he or she needs more and more money to achieve the desired sensation, just as a cocaine addict may need more and more cocaine.

Withdrawal: Another Sign of Gambling Addiction

Halting gambling may lead to withdrawal. This withdrawal may not come in a form as physical as the body's withdrawal from a substance, but a gambler suffering from withdrawal may experience agitation and irritability when he or she tries to gamble less or quit gambling altogether.

Escape

Pathological gamblers may also use gambling to escape from the world. They may be attempting to run away from their problems or to combat negative feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression.

Chasing

The gambling addict may also become a chaser of losses. In other words, when the gambler loses money, he or she returns the next day to try to gain it back or get even with the house.

Lying

You may have seen this sign of gambling addiction. Gambling addiction can lead to lying to both family members and friends about how the gambler is getting the money to gamble and the amount of time he or she is spending gambling.

Loss of Control

If you or a loved one has tried over and over again to stop gambling, this may be a sign that you have lost control to your gambling addiction and need to seek help. (more information about gambling addiction help)

Illegal Acts

Many compulsive gamblers become so in need of funds for their addiction that they resort to stealing—through larceny, fraud, or embezzlement—in order to continue their habits.

Risk of Significant Relationships

Signs He Has A Gambling Problem Solving

Another of the gambling addiction symptoms is how the gambler's relationships are affected, including jobs, personal relationships, educational opportunities, and so forth.

Final Gambling Addiction Sign: Bailout

A final symptom of gambling addiction is relying on others for monetary support for financial problems created by gambling.

Signs He Has A Gambling Problem Occurred

Sources:

• DSM IV - American Psychiatric Association
• GamblingResearch.org

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Signs Of A Gambling Problem

APA Reference
Gluck, S. (2009, December 22). Signs of Gambling Addiction, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, December 31 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/signs-gambling-addiction