Gambling addiction isn't diffcult to determine. Here are the symptoms and signs of addiction to gambling.
What are the Signs of Gambling Addiction?
Problem and pathological gambling may affect anywhere from 2 to 4 percent of the population. Persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior as indicated by five (or more) of the following. Also known as compulsive gambling, pathological gambling, and problem gambling, an actual addiction diagnosis involves one to four main symptoms that exist apart from any other conditions or disorders. The four main symptoms of gambling addiction are: A preoccupation with gambling to the point where it occupies every waking thought. If you suspect that a loved one has a gambling problem and you have hard evidence to back it up yet he or she continues to deny the problem, it could be time to seek professional help. Financial Problems. One of the most prevalent signs of gambling addiction is financial problems that result from the compulsive gambling disorder.
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.
Compulsive gambling, also called gambling disorder, is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life. Gambling means that you're willing to risk something you value in the hope of getting something of even greater value.Gambling can stimulate the brain's reward system much like drugs or alcohol can, leading to addiction. If you have a problem with compulsive gambling, you may. Eventually the severity of this problem can become too much for those with the deepest pockets, so it is important to be honest with yourself about how it is affecting your life, regardless of your financial situation. Ultimately it is clear that the symptoms of a gambling addiction are interlinked and will perpetuate one another.
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. Lucky dice scam.
Escape
![Gambling problem symptoms Gambling problem symptoms](https://cdn.safestbettingsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Gambling-Addiction-Myths-Vs-Facts-Infographic.jpg)
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
Another of the gambling addiction symptoms is how the gambler's relationships are affected, including jobs, personal relationships, educational opportunities, and so forth.
![Gambling Problem Symptoms Gambling Problem Symptoms](https://www.addiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/iStock_000019341644_Large.jpg)
Final Gambling Addiction Sign: Bailout
A final symptom of gambling addiction is relying on others for monetary support for financial problems created by gambling.
Gambling Problem Symptoms Coronavirus
Sources:
- DSM IV - American Psychiatric Association
- GamblingResearch.org
Gambling Problem Symptoms Checker
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APA Reference
Gluck, S. (2009, December 22). Signs of Gambling Addiction, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, November 16 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/signs-gambling-addiction
Gluck, S. (2009, December 22). Signs of Gambling Addiction, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, November 16 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/signs-gambling-addiction