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Symptoms of Compulsive Gambling
"Pathological" or "Compulsive" Gambling has been called the "hidden addiction" because there are no needle marks, no slurred speech, no alcohol on the breath, and no dilated pupils. Compulsive gambling is an emotional illness, not a moral issue or a lack of willpower. It is recognized as an impulse control disorder by the American Psychiatric Association. Pathological Gambling has some of the same characteristics of other addictions and can be just as devastating as any addictive behavior.
How do you know if you or someone close to you has a gambling problem?
Warning Signs & Symptoms of Compulsive Gambling
- Problem gamblers spend a lot of time and mental energy thinking about the next time they will gamble, planning their strategy, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble
- Problem gamblers may boast about winning (exaggerated display of money and other possessions) and may be evasive about losing
- Problem gamblers find that they cannot stop gambling when they want to. When they gamble, problem gamblers may try to control the amount of time and money they spend, but they are unable to stick to the limits they set.
- "Chasing" losses: Problem gamblers may get a strong urge or idea to win back the money they have lost in the past
- Gamble to Escape Negative Emotions: Problem gamblers may gamble to change their mood, or in order to feel better temporarily
- Problem gamblers may make excuses about whereabouts. Poorly explained absences from home and work
- Problem gamblers may feel shame, guilt, remorse after gambling. Personality changes (increases irritability/hostility)
- Problem gamblers may borrow money from family and friends and often lies about the true cause of the financial crisis. Refinances mortgages or loans; cashes in life insurance policies, CDs, 401K's
- Problem gamblers may have lied to their spouse, family, friends, or employer in order to hide or minimize the extent of their gambling
"Pathological" or "Compulsive" Gambling is characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more more frequently, restlessness, or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting serious negative consequences.
Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions
- Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
- Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
- Did gambling effect your reputation?
- Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
- Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
- Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
- After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back you losses?
- After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
- Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
- Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
- Have you ever sold anything to finance your gambling?
- Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
- Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
- Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
- Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
- Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
- Did gambling cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
- Do arguments, disappointments, or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
- Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
- Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?
Most compulsive gamblers will answer "yes" to at least seven of these questions.
Source: Gamblers Anonymous
This information on problem gambling is offered solely in the interest of helping those individuals who have developed problems with their gambling behaviors. If you or someone you know exhibits the behaviors of problem gambling, seek help. The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for treatment.