Signs Of Compulsive Gambling
Gambling addiction isn't diffcult to determine. Here are the symptoms and signs of addiction to gambling.
What are the Signs of Gambling Addiction?
Below are some of the more common signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling: Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries, or reduce depression Losing interest in other things Talking about, thinking about, or planning to gamble and not doing other activities. Signs and Symptoms of Gambling Addiction. Gambling addiction is much like drug addiction, and compulsive gamblers often exhibit symptoms that mirror those with substance abuse. Signs and symptoms of gambling addiction include: Being unable to stop gambling despite adverse consequences. Stealing from loved ones to acquire money for gambling. Gambling addiction signs and symptoms include the willingness to risk something you value in hopes of getting something of even greater value. The Mayo Clinic defines compulsive gambling as an overwhelming urge to gamble no matter the repercussions of doing so – and as many have realized, gambling addiction is a life-ruining dilemma. Physical Symptoms of Excessive Gambling Because gambling can cause depression, anxiety and self-harming tendencies, several physical signs are to be watched out for. Depression and anxiety sometimes lead to sleep deprivation, which may result in pale skin, weight gain or weight loss, acne and dark circles under the eyes.
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.
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.
Escape
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.
Signs Of Gambling Addiction Mood Swings
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.
Final Gambling Addiction Sign: Bailout
A final symptom of gambling addiction is relying on others for monetary support for financial problems created by gambling.
Sources:
Warning Signs Of Compulsive Gambling
- DSM IV - American Psychiatric Association
- GamblingResearch.org
Signs Of Compulsive Gambling
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APA Reference
Gluck, S. (2009, December 22). Signs of Gambling Addiction, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, December 16 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/signs-gambling-addiction