Gambling has become one of the primary addictions in the United States and it is showing no signs of slowing down. Even in the cities and states where it is illegal, there are various ways to gamble and get away with it. The lottery, internet gambling sites, scratch offs and back corner card rooms have made it easy to gamble without traveling to Vegas or Atlantic City. Along with this comes a serious increase in gambling addiction. How do you know when you have a gambling addiction? Do you recognize these signs of a gambling addiction in yourself or a loved one?
One of the first signs of gambling addiction is usually a loss of money. Gamblers that are addicted will eventually lose large sums of money and still attempt to continue. This can lead to financial ruin and heartache. A gambler that is addicted will often talk themselves into the next big hit, never realizing that even if they do win they will likely still be behind. They simply can not make themselves quit gambling.
Another sign of gambling addiction is when they begin to use money that is for food, bills or other important things to gamble. The gambling addict will go so far as to lose their home, car, relationships and anything else that can be traded for money. This level of gambling addiction is very serious and must be dealt with right away.
The gambling addict will often stop worrying about their personal appearance and hygiene. While this is not the case with all gambling addicts, those that are heavy gamblers may spend days at the computer or in the casinos, stopping only to find more money when needed. If a loved one is acting as though things that are normally important no longer matter, there is definitely a problem.
Gambling addicts will sometimes turn to stealing and crime to support their habits. Gambling addicts literally can not control the impulse to chase that next big win. This can lead to stealing from friends and family members and eventually graduate to even bigger crimes.
Gambling addiction also causes secrecy. The gambler that is addicted will suddenly become very secretive about money and where they have been with friends and family members. This secrecy is often a product of shame, but it can also be because they do not want the family member to know the money was lost. Regardless, gambling addicts will become more and more reclusive about their addiction.
If you suspect that someone you love has a gambling addiction, make certain that you get them some help. There are many resources available and the problem will not go away on its own.
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