A lot of people today struggle with gambling addiction of one sort or the other. It doesn’t matter if you gamble on sports, in a casino, at the track, on scratch cards, or on the internet, gambling is a curse that ultimately destroys your life. People who develop a gambling addiction have lost their jobs, suffered breakups and divorce, and ultimately ended up broke or homeless.
Gambling addiction is serious and anyone suffering from it should be offered as much help as possible. People even go to extreme lengths to fuel their addiction, which leads them to steal money, or gamble away their life savings, since they simply can’t stop. If you’re suffering gambling addiction it is essential that you seek professional help in order to regain control over your life.
What is gambling addiction?
According to experts gambling addiction is actually an impulse control disorder, which makes it very hard for people to control their gambling impulse, even if they are hurting themselves or destroying their lives. One of the best ways to find out if someone has a gambling addiction is by the following:
- Gamblers have no regard for anyone but themselves
- Gamblers often have substance abuse problems and mood disorders
Gambling has become more accessible than ever before, since the internet provides them with a convenient setting to gamble to their satisfaction. This has made it even harder for people with a gambling addiction to stop their impulsive gambling.
The main issue with a gambling addiction is that it can disrupt an individual’s life, and cause them to spend more money on gambling, even if they may suffer serious consequences later on.
Signs and symptoms of gambling addiction
Most experts say that gambling addiction is a hidden illness, since there are no physical signs and symptoms, which help identify the addiction. If you want to find out whether you have a gambling addiction, consider the following signs and symptoms:
- Your friends and family worry about your financial situation constantly
- You have no control over your spending habits
- You continue gambling even if you’re in debt
- You try to hide your gambling habits
- Your gambling has started interfering in your professional life
All these signs and symptoms are a clear indication that you have a gambling problem, and if you notice any of them, you should consider getting help.
Self help for gambling addiction
The first step towards overcoming any addiction is admitting that you have a problem. Once you have accepted that you have a gambling addiction, the next step is breaking the habit through self-help. The only way you will be able to overcome your gambling addiction is if you practice self help. Here is what you will have to do:
- Join a gambling support group
- Seek help for your mood disorders
- Reach out to your support network (friends and family)
- Try to figure out what fuels your addiction
Once you have identified gambling as a problem, the next step is trying to improve yourself and fight your addiction. It is recommended that you seek professional help in order to overcome your gambling addiction.
