Seven signs of gambling addiction
Obsession
A constant obsession with gambling is the easiest way to determine a gambling addiction. Reliving previous victories or losses and constantly thinking about how you can get more money to gamble, are two examples of obsession.
Escalation
People with a gambling addiction play more and more, until the last of the money is spent. Many pathological gamblers end up in poor financial conditions and try to raise money for their gambling addiction from their environment. As a result, they run the risk of being exploited by people who demand extortionate rates of interest.
Searching for a way out
Pathological gamblers often try unsuccessfully to control or to stop their passion for gambling. Numerous unsuccessful attempts are a warning sign of a sickness. Gambling addicts, just like drug addicts, become restless, irritable and angry when they try to bring their gambling habits under control or give them up.
Escape
Gambling and other addictive behaviour leads to a high of excitement and enthusiasm, causing the person to temporarily escape from normal life. This elation gets ever harder to achieve and pathological gamblers or gambling addicts gamble for ever higher stakes.
Chasing
If someone is constantly trying to make up losses by gambling again, that's called chasing. A pathological gambler will become obsessed with trying to win back the lost money, which often leads to severe financial problems.
Lies
Lying to family and friends about time spent gambling and lost money is a clear warning sign of a gambling addiction. Pathological gamblers often feel guilty about lying about where they've been or how they spent the money.
Alienation
If someone begins to alienate themselves from friends, family or colleagues because of their passion for gambling, then this is a clear sign of serious problems. Pathological gamblers continue to gamble, despite the risk of losing meaningful relationships or other important parts of their life such as school or career.
If you experience two or more of these signs, it's time to consult a specialist. Click here for useful resources.