5 Signs You’re Addicted to Gambling

When most people think about gambling, they think about having fun on vacation or spending a night at the casino. Gambling sparks imagery of weekly card games, innocent slot machines, or friendly wagers on a sporting event. But for some people, gambling is anything but innocent and friendly. Those people suffer from a gambling addiction, officially known as compulsive gambling. Here are five signs you or someone you know is addicted to gambling:

Inability to Stop

People who gamble for fun understand how to set limits and walk away. Compulsive gamblers lack the ability to stop and find it hard to say no. This can lead to significant losses of time and money. The inability to stop is directly related to the “high” many compulsive gamblers get from the risk/reward factor.

Chasing Losses

Everyone has heard the saying “the house always wins.” That statement is difficult for compulsive gamblers to believe. Many gambling addicts find it hard to walk away because they are constantly chasing losses. No matter how deep the hole, they believe they can recoup their losses and move on. This is often a vicious cycle that leads to an increasingly large debt.

Gambling with Money You Can’t Lose

Because compulsive gamblers are left chasing losses, they soon run out of disposable income and gamble with money they can’t afford to lose. Whether it’s money for mortgage or rent, food, or insurance, a gambling addict can’t draw the line. Many will seek additional finances from friends and family members when they run out of their own money.

More than Entertainment

Most people gamble for the entertainment factor. It’s about being with friends, experiencing a little bit of risk, and enjoying the possibility of winning. Compulsive gamblers do not gamble for entertainment; they gamble as a way of life. It is often a form of coping with stress and anxiety.

Lying and Covering Up

Compulsive gamblers usually feel some sort of guilt associated with their addiction. They will lie to friends and family members to cover up what they’re doing. This can be detrimental to relationships and can compromise trust.

While gambling can be a fun recreational activity for people, it can also become an addiction for those with compulsive personality traits. If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction to gambling, don’t hesitate to seek help. For more information on treatment options and recovery, contact Drug Treatment Center Finder today.