Gambling addiction which is sometimes often referred to as excessive gambling or problem gambling, is a serious mental disorder that can have negative consequences for individuals.
Despite the potential risks and negative outcomes associated with gambling, many people still continue to engage in this behaviour compulsively and are unable to control their urges despite the troubles it can cause.
In this blog, we will explore the key compulsive gambling symptoms, look into the warning signs that may indicate a problem, and the importance of seeking help when affected.
Understanding Gambling Addiction
Before we look into the key symptoms and common signs of gambling addiction, it’s important to have a good understanding of what the addiction entails. A gambling disorder is considered to be when an individual has an uncontrollable urge to gamble, despite the negative consequences that it brings.
Individuals with a gambling problem often find themselves unable to stop gambling, even when they recognise the harm it is causing to their finances, relationships, and overall well-being. Like other addictions, a gambling addiction can lead to significant distress and damage in an individual’s life.
Preoccupation with Gambling
One of the main symptoms of gambling disorder is a preoccupation with gambling. Individuals who are affected by this disorder may have gambling constantly on their minds, thinking about their next opportunity to place a bet and win a big cash prize.
This preoccupation can become overwhelming, leading to difficulties in concentrating on other aspects of life, such as work, school, or personal relationships with family members and friends. Individuals with a gambling addiction may spend an excessive amount of time researching gambling strategies, planning gambling activities, or reliving past gambling experiences.
Loss of Control
Another key symptom of gambling addiction is the loss of control over gambling behaviour. Despite the attempts made by individuals to quit gambling overall, they still find themselves unable to resist the urge to gamble.
They may make repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop their gambling, only to repeat their previous behaviour. This loss of control can lead to a cycle of compulsive gambling, where the individual feels when they are unable to control and prevent their excessive addiction.
Gambling as a Coping Mechanism
Compulsive gamblers often turn to gamble as a way of coping with high stress levels, anxiety, depression or other negative emotions. For individuals with a gambling addiction, gambling becomes their primary coping mechanism and allows them to relieve themselves from their daily life challenges.
However, this type of coping strategy is overall ineffective and can worsen the underlying problems, leading to a vicious cycle of gambling and emotional distress. People may find themselves gambling more frequently or increasing the amount of money they are betting to try and escape from reality and relieve their emotions.
Financial Problems
Financial problems are known to be a common consequence of gambling addiction and serve as a significant issue for this disorder. Individuals with a gambling addiction may spend more money on gambling than they can afford, leading to financial instability, debt, and even bankruptcy.
These consequences often lead individuals to resort to borrowing money from friends, family, or financial institutions to fund their gambling habit and continue a cycle of financial desperation.
Despite the negative financial consequences, individuals with a gambling addiction may continue to gamble in the chances of making up for their lost money and experiencing the feeling of winning a big cash prize.
Relationship Issues
Gambling addiction can have a damaging impact on relationships, causing conflict and a sense of mistrust between family and friends. When experiencing a gambling disorder, individuals may often lie about their addiction or their losses to avoid impacting relationships with their loved ones.
When experiencing excessive gambling problems, individuals will often isolate themselves from their loved ones and prioritise gambling rather than spending time with their family and friends. Relationship issues are not an uncommon symptom in cases of gambling addiction, as the individual’s preoccupation with gambling takes priority over restoring a healthy lifestyle and focusing on relationships with loved ones.
Chasing Losses
Chasing money losses is a negative behaviour often associated with gambling addiction. When individuals experience losses while gambling, they may feel pressured into continuing with their gambling activities and attempt to make up for their losses.
This chasing behaviour can lead to further financial losses and increase feelings of distress and desperation. Despite being well aware of the risks involved, individuals with a gambling addiction may still continue to chase losses, believing that a big win is only just around the corner.
Seeking Help For Gambling Addiction
If you are someone who is looking to overcome a gambling addiction and is experiencing the common symptoms above, it’s important to seek help for your addiction as soon as possible. Treatment options for gambling addiction may include therapy, support groups, medication, and financial counselling.
Online rehab therapy has grown in interest due to the many benefits it has to offer for individuals when dealing with addiction. The Online Rehab provide efficient and excellent online therapy and solutions to help individuals overcome their addiction and start their journey to recovery.
Gambling Support with The Online Rehab
Through our online rehab platform at The Online Rehab, you will have access to a team of specialists who are passionate about getting you started on your journey to recovery. If you are dealing with a gambling addiction and struggling to find the right treatment plan. Our team of experts will work closely with you, tailoring a treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Our therapy sessions cover various topics such as coping strategies, stress management and building healthier relationships. Get started on your journey with us today and notice the many benefits of our online rehab programme.