Considering whether or not you are a compulsive gambler can be frightening. After all, no one likes to admit to being out of control. Gambling can become an addiction, and many individuals find the lure to gamble as powerful as any addictive drug. However, determining whether you have a gambling problem can be an important first step to recovery.
Compulsive gambling can be described as a mental disorder, marked by a lack of impulse control. There are some common signs that may indicate compulsive gambling. To begin with, a compulsive gambler has a preoccupation with gambling, spending too much time thinking about past gambling ventures and planning future activities. This preoccupation can also include spending inordinate amounts of time making plans to obtain additional gambling money.
Increased tolerance is another sign that you may be a compulsive gambler. If you feel the need to gamble with larger amounts of money in order to get a thrill from gambling, you may have a problem. This ever-increasing need for placing higher bets is akin to the way an alcoholic may begin to require more alcohol in order to feel good.
Withdrawal is a common symptom experienced by compulsive gamblers. When a compulsive gambler attempts to quit or cut back on gambling activities, he or she may begin to feel restless, irritable, and simply out of sorts. Likewise, a compulsive gambler may feel out of control, failing repeatedly in attempts to stop or reduce gambling activities.
Many people view gambling as a fun pastime to be enjoyed on an occasional basis. A compulsive gambler, on the other hand, may see gambling as a way to escape from problems. Often, compulsive gamblers use gambling to relieve unpleasant moods, substituting betting for working on problems. Chasing is also common among those with gambling addictions. Chasing involves losing money at gambling and returning on a subsequent day to try to get even.
A compulsive gambler may lie about his or her gambling activities. He or she may deceive family members, friends, and therapists in an effort to hide gambling activities. It is also common for compulsive gamblers to risk relationships with loved ones in order to continue gambling. A compulsive gambler may commit crimes to raise funds for gambling or rely on loved ones for money to escape gambling-caused financial difficulties.
If you think you may be a compulsive gambler, contact a physician, a therapist, or an organization like Gamblers Anonymous for help. When you admit to the presence of a problem, you lay the groundwork for getting your life back in order. Keep in mind that an individual may be a compulsive gambler without showing all the signs common to a gambling addiction. Therefore, it is wise to obtain a professional evaluation, even if you only have a few of the symptoms of a gambling addiction.
