There are many signs that can point to an obvious gambling problem. If you are experiencing this, or know somebody who is, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Therapy can be an effective way to deal with a gambling problem and learn how to better manage emotions. There is no shame in seeking help for a problem like this. Getting the support you need to overcome an addiction is an imperative step to push past this challenge in your life.
We spoke with Jet who works for a Thai online casino and has decades of experience in the gambling industry. We discussed some of the obvious signs that an addiction is taking a turn for the worse:
Lying to Your Loved Ones About Gambling
If you have been lying to your loved ones about how much money you’ve lost, or the amount of time you have been spending gambling, then there is a good chance that your problem is getting out of hand.
This type of behaviour indicates that you know there is something wrong with your addiction but you are not yet ready or willing to face the facts. It is important to have open and honest communication with the people you love.
Gambling with More than you Can Afford
If this sounds familiar then there might be a problem looming that needs immediate attention before any more damage takes place.
The consequences of compulsive gambling could result in debt problems and financial difficulties which will make dealing with the problem much harder once things go too far beyond repair. Often people who are desperate turn to crime, or every worse, self-harm, when they run out of other options. Take action now if you or someone you care about is in trouble, before things get worse.
Borrowing Money to Gamble
When you borrow money in order to gamble, it is a clear sign that your addiction has taken over. This means that gambling has become more important to you than anything else and you are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the habit going.
This type of behaviour can quickly spiral out of control, so if this is something you have been doing it is time to get help before it’s too late.
Using Credit Cards
This is another dangerous sign that your gambling addiction has taken over.
Credit cards can quickly lead to even more debt problems, and if you are using them to gamble then it’s likely that you are in some pretty serious financial trouble. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to get help right away before the debt becomes too overwhelming.
Depression
If you are depressed, and like to gamble, it is important to consider if a gambling addiction may have anything to do with it.
Often, people who suffer from depression turn to gambling as a way of escaping reality, which can lead them down an even darker path than they were already on.
If this seems like something that you or someone close to you is doing, don’t hesitate in reaching out for help immediately. The sooner a problem can be identified the sooner steps can be taken to improve the situation.
Hiding Gambling from Friends and Family
If you are hiding your gambling from your friends and family, then it is a clear sign that you know there is something wrong. This means that you are ashamed of your addiction and you don’t want anyone to find out about it.
This type of behaviour can be very damaging to relationships, but also can damage the victim of addiction as they battle with their own conscience internally about how to deal with this increasingly common predicament.
Negative Changes in Relationships
If you have noticed any negative changes in your relationships, such as fights or tension, then it is possible that gambling is partially to blame.
When people become addicted to gambling, priorities tend to change and the people around the addicted gambler often suffer as a result. If this has been happening in your life, please seek help and support from others to find a solution.
Feeling Guilty after Gambling
If you find yourself feeling guilty after gambling, it is another sign that your addiction has taken over.
This means that you are aware of the negative consequences that gambling can have on your life, but you are unable to resist the temptation.
This type of guilt can be very damaging and it is important to address the problem head-on before it becomes too difficult to manage.
Gambling Too Often
If you have been gambling too often, then it is important to consider what might be behind this sudden increase in inactivity.
In most cases, a person will gamble with the intention of winning big and being able to recover from their losses or minimize them as much as possible.
If there has been no recovery and your habit seem like it’s getting worse instead of better, then it’s time to reach out for help.
You Feel out of Control
If you can no longer control your gambling habit, then there is a good chance that it has become an addiction. This means that once the urge to gamble strikes, nothing else matters and it becomes all-consuming until you are able to get your fix.
These are just some signs that you may have a gambling problem. If any of this sounds familiar, it is important to reach out for help. There are many resources available, including therapy and support groups that can assist you in getting your life back on track.
Gambling Problems are Very Difficult to Deal with Alone
If you feel like you are struggling, don’t hesitate to seek out assistance from a professional. If you are not the addict, but are worried about someone close to you, we also advise you reach out to them and talk about your concerns, and possibly involve others to help as well.
With the right help, addiction can be beaten. Afterwards the victim can get back to living a healthy and productive life. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, please reach out for help.
There is a lot of help available to gamblers around the world. Whether it be a group counselling session or meeting with expert therapists, steps need to be taken to get back to your life.
You are not alone, there are people who want to help you and will do so if you give them the opportunity.
