ASK YOURSELF: Do I Have A Gambling Problem?
Symptoms & Signs
What are the Symptoms or Signs?
The following are some signs that a person may have a gambling problem:
- Gambling for longer periods of time-spending long or increasing amounts of time at gambling venues
- Pre-occupation with gambling-constantly thinking about and preparing for gambling
- “Chasing losses”-gambling more often and playing higher stakes to “win back” lost money
- Frequent, unexplained absences-from home or work and undue secrecy
- Gambling to escape from obligations or life’s daily pressures
- Growing debt from gambling-lying or criminal activity to finance gambling
- Neglecting family/personal needs-e.g., nutrition, sleep, schooling or general well-being
Triggers for Problem Gambling:
Events:
- Advertising
- Financial pressure
- Availability
- Friends gambling
- Large jackpot
- Hearing of a win
- Near miss
- Gambling and winning
- Losing
- Having money
- Too much debt
- Accused of gambling
Thoughts:
- Picture winning
- “My only chance”
- “This time I’ll do it right”
- “If I win I’ll be happy ”
- Magical thinking“
- It’s my destiny”
- “I’ll only bet a little”
- “I deserve some fun”
- “There’s no other way I can pay what I owe”
- “I’ll put the money back when I win”
Feelings:
- Anger
- Irritation
- Boredom
- Desperation
- Hopelessness
- Happiness
- Envy
- Disappointment
- Feeling Tired
- Depression
- Intoxication
- Loneliness
- Spitefulness
- Feeling “on top of the world”