How do I know if I have a gambling addiction?
If gambling has negatively affected your social, emotional, financial, and spiritual lives, you will be able to tell if there is a gambling addiction. Gambling addiction is if you gamble alone and lose more money than you can afford. Compulsive Gambling is an impulse control disorder that is characterised by uncontrollable gambling impulses and unstoppable thoughts. Although it is less severe than compulsive gamble, “Problem Gambling”, is still very serious.
My family has a gambling addict. What can I do?
You have many options when your family member is addicted gambling. To get 12 Step support from family members who are gamblers, you can attend a gamanon meeting. Check out these links and resources. This could be a good way to start to learn how to approach your family member. Every situation is unique. For more information, please visit the resources page.
I have a gambling addiction, and have lost a lot of money. I’m in debt and don’t know what to do. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Gambling addiction can lead to debt. This is a long-lasting consequence of gambling addiction and can affect gamblers long after they stop gambling. Gamblers Anonymous 12-Step Groups offer support and guidance to help you deal with your debt issues. You can also find information on credit and debt solutions due to your gambling addiction at the links and resources page. Gambling addiction is not a financial problem. It is an emotional and spiritual problem that can have financial consequences.
Can I get a gambling addiction by going to the casino, but only winning?
Yes. There are four phases to gambling addiction. 1. Winning Phase: This phase usually begins with a huge win and the belief that luck will continue for a long time. 2. Losing Phase: You are more preoccupied with gambling. You’re gambling alone, missing work and lying about whereabouts. This is the beginning of your quest to recover your losses. 3. The Desperation Phase is characterized by loss of control, obsession with gambling, defaulting in most debts, cheating or theft, and the loss of a job or relationship. 4. The hopeless phase: You reach rock bottom. You might also begin to abuse drugs and alcohol. This phase is also characterized by suicide thoughts and attempts.
When I’m lonely or depressed, I gamble. Is that possible?
Most likely, you are an “escape gambler”. You gamble to escape from emotional pain. Many “escape gamblers”, can get addicted to online gambling, bingo, and slot machines. A “action gambler” is one who takes risks and gambles on skill games such as cards, stock market, or sports betting. “Action-gamblers”, traditionally, were male. However, both genders are increasingly represented in this group.
What is the first step in getting help for me to realize I have a problem?
You have admitted that you have a problem. This is the first step to fixing your gambling addiction. Your gambling addiction will not stop with this first step. You can find gambling help by visiting the resources section of our website. The gambling hotline is 1-800-GAMBLER. Checking out a local Gamblers Anonymous Meeting at is a good first step. For more information, please visit our links and resources page. And again, congratulations. You are well on your way to a better lifestyle.
