Are you worried that you (or a loved one) might be dangerously into gambling? You’ll be slightly comforted to know that you are not alone. Data compiled from various surveys have shown that in the U.S. over two million people are addicted to gambling. Even worse, for over twenty million people, gambling interferes with their social life as well as their work life.
In this article, we’ll take a look at seven of the most common telltale signs that show that someone is indeed addicted to gambling. Meanwhile, see this detox center for addiction treatments.
YOU OFTEN SPEND MORE THAN YOU PLAN INITIALLY ON GAMBLING
Do you find that you exceed the amount you plan to spend on gambling each month? Do you agree with yourself not to spend past a particular mark but end up doing so anyway? This is one of the most predominant signs of gambling addiction.
YOU LIE ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU REALLY GAMBLE
When you’re asked about the time and money you invest in gambling, do you feel the need to lie? If you often tell people that you spend less than you actually do on gambling, there is quite a high chance that you have a gambling problem. This is mostly because people with gambling problems realize that they spend too much on it but do not want anyone else to know.
YOU STAKE DANGEROUS AMOUNTS THAT YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE
It is fine to play the game of chance with any extra cash that you may have. However, when you play blackjack with your kid’s college funds, it may be time for a wake-up call. People without gambling addictions do not stake more than they can afford to lose as they realize that gambling isn’t a way to earn money.
YOU FEEL THE COMPULSIVE NEED TO EARN YOUR LOSSES BACK
Nobody wins all the time. Bettors who have made decent sums know this. On some nights, the odds don’t just favor you. People without gambling addictions find it easy to admit loss and run away before the loss gets any larger. However, if you find yourself gambling more and more in order to earn what you have lost back, you possibly have a gambling addiction.
YOU BORROW MONEY TO GAMBLE
People who aren’t addicted to gambling realize how dangerous and frankly, silly it is to borrow money to gamble. This is a key habit that persons addicted to gambling have.
YOU CAN’T STOP GAMBLING
Have you tried several times to stop gambling without being able to succeed? You almost certainly have a gambling addiction.
YOU FEEL UNEASY WHEN YOU HAVEN’T GAMBLED
One major habit that people who are addicted to gambling exhibit is uneasiness when they haven’t gambled. How do you feel when you have to stay away from gambling for a while? Do you feel uneasy and unrested? You are very likely to have a gambling addiction if you do.
If you answered yes to most of these questions, don’t panic. With determination and professional help, you have a great chance of getting over your gambling addiction.