Identifying the signs of a gambling addiction is crucial for seeking help and support. Here are common behavioural patterns associated with problem gambling:
1. Persistent Involvement: Engaging in gambling activities consistently and excessively.
2. Anxiety and Irritability: Feeling uneasy or irritable when gambling is interrupted or reduced.
3. Borrowing Money: Resorting to borrowing money to address temporary financial issues caused by gambling.
4. Unsuccessful Attempts to Control Gambling: Struggling to control, reduce, or interrupt gambling despite repeated efforts.
5. Absence from Home and Work: Long periods of unwarranted absence from home and work due to gambling activities.
6. Financial Mismanagement: Taking duplicate loans, overusing credit cards, bouncing cheques, and disrupting the family budget due to gambling-related expenses.
7. Obsessive Study of Sports: Intensively studying sports schedules and picks from various media sources to inform gambling decisions.
8. Social Isolation: Isolating oneself to focus better on gambling strategies.
9. Refusal of Advice: Ignoring advice or remarks from others about managing gambling behaviour.
10. Decline in Work Productivity: Noticing a decline in work productivity due to excessive gambling.
11. Emotional Reactions to Gambling: Feeling discomfort, anger, and tension if prevented from gambling and experiencing happiness, inflated self-esteem, and relief when gambling is profitable.
If you suspect you may have a gambling addiction issue, the following questions can help you assess your situation:
1. Does gambling interfere with your work or studies?
2. Do you gamble to pass time or alleviate boredom?
3. Do you use gambling as a solution for financial problems?
4. Do you continue gambling until you've lost all your money?
5. Have you lied about the amount and time spent gambling?
6. Do you gamble alone and for extended periods?
7. Have others criticized your gambling behaviour?
8. Have you lost interest in family, friends, or other activities due to gambling?
9. Have you resorted to lying, stealing, or borrowing to sustain your gambling habits?
10. Have you tried to win back losses through lies, theft, or borrowing?
11. Are you reluctant to spend gambling money on other essential needs?
12. Do you feel compelled to recoup losses immediately after a loss?
13. Do you turn to gambling after arguments, frustrations, or disappointments?
14. Has gambling caused feelings of depression or thoughts of self-harm?
The more affirmative answers you have, the more likely it is that you are facing a gambling addiction problem. Acknowledging the issue is the first step towards seeking assistance and embarking on a path to recovery. There are organizations and helplines dedicated to providing support and guidance for individuals dealing with gambling addiction. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available to help you regain control of your gambling habits.
Learn more about Responsible Gaming here.