Gambling is common amongst people, and according to research, about 86% of American adults take part in gambling at some point in their lives.
86%! This is a lot, but it isn’t surprising. Gambling feels so good, it is thrilling, and for some, it is about a few hours of fun. However, for many, the thrill can easily wear off, morphing into an addiction, a road to financial and personal ruin.
Be it sports, scratch cards, poker, or slots, in a casino or online — gambling can go from a fun activity to an unhealthy obsession. The first step to recovering is finding out if you have a gambling addiction. At our California gambling addiction treatment center, we’re dedicated to treating gambling addictions and substance abuse.
How to Tell If You Have a Gambling Problem: Signs & Symptoms
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Obsession
- When you’re obsessed with something, it feels as though your whole life revolves around it. It is all you think and talk about. And once you get the chance, you’re on your laptop or at a casino placing bets, and even though you know you should stop, it is hard for you to quit. With technological advancements, where you can easily place bets with a tap of a finger, getting obsessed is very easy.
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You lie about gambling
- One prevalent symptom of any addiction is trying hard to hide and conceal that addiction. People who suffer gambling addiction throw caution to the wind, lie about their whereabouts, hide receipts, and the truth about their expenses.
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You gamble despite the consequences
- A causal gambler can easily withdraw if they lose more than they’re willing to gamble. However, if you have a gambling problem, you can’t seem to stop, not after losing more than you can afford, and not after you fall into deep financial problems.
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Relationship issues
- Gambling problems can stress your relationship with people: spouse, family, partner, friends, work colleagues. In severe cases, it could lead to job loss, criminal charges (if you result in illegal gambling), stealing, lack of sleep, and terrible financial problems.
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Withdrawal symptoms when you stop
- When someone with gambling addiction stops gambling even for a day, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. They feel the need to gamble to feel normal and happy again. These symptoms can range from irritability, insomnia, and loss of appetite to anxiety and low sex drive.
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Feeling restless, bored, or grumpy when you cut down on gambling
- Gambling is a game of major highs and lows. You may feel restless if you are not experiencing these intense emotions, and this can spiral to other mental health issues.
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Stealing money for gambling
- If you are have gambled a lot of money away, you may get desperate to have more money to gamble with if you have a gambling addiction problem. This may cause you to resort to fraud or theft if you do have a gambling addiction.
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Asking loved ones to help you pay off debts because you gambled the money away
- You may become reliant on others, particularly loved ones, if you are in debt or need more money to gamble. This will further deteriorate relationships with others.
- Feel remorseful after gambling
- Gambling was originally designed to be a fun, non-life-threatening thrill. But hey, when it gets addictive, that’s a no-no. You may feel remorseful after placing a bet because you know gambling is wrong, you know your finances are not on track, yet you can’t stop, and you feel guilty when it happens.
Why Am I Addicted to Gambling?
Gambling addiction or compulsive gambling is a behavioral disorder or an impulse control disorder that makes it hard to control the impulse to gamble regardless of the consequences.
The main contributing factor of gambling addiction is the illusion of making fast and easy money. This mirage of get-rich-fast is definitely the root of gambling addiction problems. If you are trying to determine how to tell if you have a gambling addiction problem,
Causes of a Gambling Addiction
The exact cause of compulsive gambling hasn’t been established. According to experts, it is usually a combination of environmental, biological, and genetic factors.
So, what’s the solution if I think I have a gambling problem?
Get help! A lot of people with gambling problems often deal with denial; they can’t admit they have a problem. You can’t treat addiction by pretending it doesn’t exist.
If you have any of the warning signs or feel you have gambling problems, do not feel ashamed to ask for professional help.
Enlight Can Help With Your Gambling Addiction!
Enlight Treatment Center’s dual diagnosis treatment program in Ventura County offers assistance to people affected by gambling addiction. Our treatments are crafted to fit each client’s individual needs; we allow sufferers to confront their problems while we provide proven solutions.
We are passionate about our clients’ wellbeing, and once they seek help from us, nothing else matters except helping them solve their addiction. What are you waiting for? Contact us today, and let’s help you recover from your gambling addiction right away.
