While indulging in gambling or betting once in a while is okay, though not morally correct, it is when a person start getting a high from it, just like from alcohol or drugs, that it becomes a problem. At this point of time, it starts interfering with the personal, psychological, physical, social or vocational areas of his life and turns into gambling addiction. The worst part of this addiction is that there are no obvious physical signs and symptoms to let the gambler, or his loved ones, be aware of the problem, till it attains massive proportions. Rather, you will have to learn to recognize subtle signs, in the person's behavior and activities, to identify the addiction. In order to help you out, we have listed the main signs of a gambling addiction, which should put you on red alert.
Symptoms Of Gambling Addiction
Personal
- Becoming restless, irritable and angry when prevented from gambling
- Alienation from friend, family members and even career
- Constant fixation on gambling
- Getting a high from gambling, just like drug abuse
- Wagering increasingly larger amounts of money to get the high
- Privacy in matters related to money and finances
- Sudden wish to control household finances
- Asking friends and family for money
- Stress, anxiety and depression
- Feelings of despair, dread and worthlessness
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Stealing money in order to gamble
General
- Overdue or unpaid bills
- Unexplained loans or cash advances
- Lack of money, despite static income and expenses
- Unusual increase in credit card usage
- Missing jewelry, cash, or valuables
- Constantly declining savings
- Missing bank or credit card statements
- Calls or letters from bill collectors
- Unexplained cash, especially when there are unpaid bills
