Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction

A person who has a gambling addiction often does not realize they have an issue, and the problem can affect their relationships with family members. For every person suffering from gambling addiction there are usually six others who are affected directly, including children and friends. If you have a loved one who has a gambling problem, there are some warning signs to look out for.

Symptoms of gambling addiction can include lying to others about how much time and money they have lost, credit card debt that piles up, borrowing or stealing money from family members or employers in an attempt to pay off their debt, and avoiding work and social activities to gamble. Those with gambling addiction may also experience periods of being “clean” from gambling, but these are typically short-lived.

Gambling is a recreational activity that involves betting on various events, sports, games and lotteries to produce feelings of euphoria or lows when winning or losing. People who have a gambling addiction find they need to gamble more and more frequently in order to feel the same high. When this happens, the person is not in control of their behavior and it can have a devastating impact on their lives. This can have psychological, personal, financial, or professional impacts. The first step to overcoming this type of addiction is admitting there is an issue, which can be very difficult. It is also important to get help and support from a treatment provider who has helped many other people with similar issues.