So what is a Gambling Addiction you might be asking?
Well a Gambling Addiction which can also be known as Compulsive Gambling, and is a type of Impulsive Control Disorder. An individual who suffers from a Gambling Addiction can’t control their impulse to gamble, even when the individual is aware that their gambling is hurting themselves and their loved ones. Unfortunately for an individual who suffers from the Gambling Addiction it can be all they can think about and all they want to do, no matter what the consequences are. Compulsive gamblers keep gambling whether they’re up or down, broke or flush, happy or depressed. Even when the individual knows the odds are stacked against them, when they can’t afford to lose that game, people with Gambling Addictions in general cannot stay of the bet.
Problem Gambling can be classified as any gambling behavior which disrupts your life. If you’re preoccupied with gambling, spending more time and money on it than necessary, chasing losses, gambling despite serious consequences, then you definitely have a gambling problem. There are many things you can do to prevent problem gambling building up and to get things under control from self-help strategies, to telephone counselling, online programs, peer support, or face-to-face therapy and treatments.
So what are some of the Symptoms of a Gambling Addiction?
A Gambling Addiction can be sometimes referred to as a hidden illness as there a generally no obvious physical signs or symptoms like there are in a drug or alcohol addiction. For some individuals they will go to great lengths to hide or deny the gambling problem.
Here are some of the signs that an individual can display:-
- Being or feeling the need to be secretive about your gambling, how much you gamble, and that your loved ones don’t understand and that this time is going to be the big win.
- Taking control of your Gambling Addiction. Generally once an individual starts gambling they have can have trouble walking away from it. In most cases the bets increase to win back that lost money
- Gambling when an individual does not have the money to do so. This is can be a major warning sign, and the person can become more desperate to recoup their losses and can move on to money they can use for Credit Cards, Pay bills and can even borrow money from family members to support the habit.
You’re not alone. Many people have overcome problems with gambling. The important thing is to do something now to make sure you stay in charge of your money, time and life.
Amanda Ogden is from Sydney Australia, and has spent the past 13 years working within the welfare industry in both administration and case management assisting people with mental health issues, mild intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, drug & alcohol, homelessness gain employment. She also loves travelling, creating jewellery, music, friends and family.
Defying Shadows 