Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is a disorder that has a profound effect on the sufferer and their relationships. When a person is struggling with gambling, they may start to lie to friends and family about how much they are spending or miss important events in their life because they are too busy gambling. This can create tension and an emotional distance between a sufferer and their loved ones.

Financial problems can be a huge motivating factor for gambling – bills go unpaid, credit cards are maxed out and debts accumulate quickly. Many people end up with high-interest payday loans that they can’t afford to repay, and they often feel as though they have no choice but to continue gambling in order to clear the debts. Some people also turn to stealing money from family members or their employers in order to gamble, and this is an extremely dangerous practice that can lead to imprisonment.

Talking about a problem with someone who doesn’t judge you can be a very powerful tool to help people beat their gambling habit. Therapy is available for anyone who struggles with gambling, including psychotherapy, group therapy and specific medications. There are also online support groups for people with gambling addiction, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which can be helpful in resolving the issue.

It is important to find out if a person has a gambling problem, and there are various tests on the internet that can be used as a self-test. However, it is always best to seek a professional evaluation from a mental health expert and receive a formal diagnosis.