8 signs you're a gambling addict

Gambling Addiction has become such a widespread problem that MSM addresses the issue more frequently --

8  signs you're a gambling addict

Millions of Americans have a gambling problem. Whether you're buying lottery tickets or making stock market bets, here's how to take control of the problem.

By Stacy Johnson

 

This post comes from Jeffrey Trull at partner site Money Talks News.

For most, gambling is a few hours of fun at the slots, a weekly card game with friends or the occasional flyer in the stock market. But for some, there's a dark side: addiction tha can lead to personal and financial ruin.

The National Council on Problem Gambling reports that 1% of the U.S. adult population, or 2 million people, meets the criteria for pathological gambling. An additional 4 million to 6 million Americans are "problem gamblers" who display some of the symptoms pathological gamblers do. Potential problems from gambling go beyond financial. Untreated, addiction can lead to legal problems, family and relationship issues, job loss and an increased risk of suicide.

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Tips to help a gambler quit

Whether it's the stock market or a game of cards, gambling is fun until it gets out of control.           

 

Here are eight signs that you have a gambling problem:

1. You can't stop.

Just as an experienced poker player knows when to "hold 'em or fold 'em," those who gamble for fun limit themselves and their bets. Compulsive gamblers struggle with both the time and money they're spending. Betting takes over their lives, and they find themselves constantly wagering. They try to quit, but can't.

2. You gamble with money you can't afford to lose.

Problem gamblers don't stop with "fun money" set aside for betting. They use money budgeted for bills, savings or their kids' education. Sometimes they squander not just their last penny, but borrowed money as well.

A psychologist we interviewed said one of his patients had borrowed money from sources so unsavory that he'd put his family's safety at risk.

3. Your bets go beyond entertainment.

Recreational gamblers play for fun and spend a few dollars to have a good time. Gambling addicts place bets for reasons other than entertainment, often trying to escape anxiety or other problems.

4. You attempt to recover losses by gambling more.

Have you repeatedly tried to get back money you've lost gambling by betting more? Problem gamblers may see more betting as the solution to financial loses rather than what it is -- throwing good money after bad.

5. You gamble with more and more money.

Like many addictions, pathological gambling can start small. But problem gamblers won't be content keeping the stakes low or setting limits. They need to bet more and more to experience the rush.

6. You go to extremes to find money to gamble.

Pathological gamblers don't stop gambling when their bank account runs dry. Instead they go to extremes to find more money. While this may stop with borrowing, some problem gamblers resort to theft, forgery or other crimes to feed their habit.

7. You put gambling before more important things.

Problem gamblers allow their habit to take priority over other parts of their lives. A gambling addict might skip watching her child's soccer game or miss time at work to hit the casino. Careers are put on the back burner and relationships deteriorate at the expense their habit.

8. Gambling negatively affects your emotions.

While gambling can be an exhilarating experience, addicts might experience emotions signaling a problem, including:

• Frustration or irritation when they've tried to quit and failed.
• Feelings of remorse.
• A decrease in ambition.
• An urge to celebrate an unrelated event by gambling.

In addition to these warning signs, you can take a test on compulsive gambling on the Gamblers Anonymous website.

If you believe you're addicted, there are steps you can take to help you quit. Taking early action is the key to salvaging your job, relationships and bank account.

• Admit you have a problem. Gambling is like any addiction: The first step is to admit you have a problem. Experts say treatment won't be effective if the addict can't take this important first step. Admitting to the problem means you're ready to make an effort to stop.
• Get support. Gambling addictions are hard to fight alone. Family and friends can be good sources of support, and Gamblers Anonymous can help recovering addicts share their experiences and find encouragement.
• Avoid temptation. Addicts have to avoid environments that lead to gambling. Stay away from casinos, race tracks, poker games or anything else that might remind or tempt you. Cut bad influences out of your life. Take away sources for financing for your habit by giving control of your money to your spouse or someone else. If you're using credit cards to fund your habit, cut them up and close the accounts.
• Replace gambling with something positive. Find a replacement activity or hobby. Whether it's jogging, rock climbing or fly fishing, find something to take the place of gambling.
• Seek professional help. The intensity of treatment for gambling addiction varies case by case. Up to 70% of those with a gambling addiction may have other psychiatric conditions, making additional treatment necessary, says MedicineNet.com. Psychotherapy may be a part of treatment, and medications are sometimes prescribed that help reduce the urge to wager. Certified gambling counseling is available through the National Counsel on Problem Gambling, something often recommended in addition to Gamblers Anonymous and family support.

Bottom line? Gambling comes in many forms, from a $2 lottery ticket to a $200,000 stock market bet. While there's nothing wrong with the occasional wager, when it starts negatively impacting your life, you should take control of the problem before it takes control of you.

 

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