While it is true that most people can and do gamble responsibly, for some individuals, what may begin as just casual entertainment sometimes crosses over the line into problem gambling. Problem gambling includes compulsive or pathological gambling, also called gambling addiction. It is a highly disabling and progressive impulse control disorder that affects between one and two percent of the adult population. So, how do you know if you have a problem with gambling?
If you know you struggle with gambling, don’t wait to get help. Our process addiction treatment program at Recovery Ranch TN can be the perfect place for you to learn how to stop gambling and build a better tomorrow. Find out more by calling 1.844.876.7680.
Signs of a Gambling Problem
If you have a problem with gambling, you’ll likely display some of the following signs:
Preoccupation with Gambling
If gambling is all you think about most of your waking hours, if you scheme and finagle to figure out ways to indulge in your craving to gamble, you have an excessive preoccupation with gambling. Such a fixation on finding ways and means to gamble becomes increasingly debilitating, to the point where you are no longer taking care of your day-to-day responsibilities, even your health.
Losing Work Because of Gambling
How often have you had to call in sick or take a day off from work because of your gambling activities? Missing time from work or school as a result of frequent gambling is a sure sign that you have a problem with gambling.
Diverting Funds
You’ve become a master at diverting money from this account to that account. Consequently, bills often go unpaid or get paid late or with a bare minimum, financial difficulties build, and the person who’s fixated on gambling gets deeper and deeper in the hole.
Loss of Ambition or Efficiency
Has life away from the casinos or time spent gambling started to feel like being imprisoned? You’re stifled, lethargic, depressed—and your pace or progress at work or school deteriorates as a result. You simply have no ambition to get ahead anymore.
Taking out Loans to Finance Gambling Urges
Incurring debt to chase after games of chance is a losing proposition. It’s an indicator the individual is quickly losing their grip on reality. But, then again, compulsive gamblers always think that the big win is just around the corner.
Gambling to Escape
If you go out to the casino to gamble as a means of escaping your worries, troubles at home, boredom, or loneliness, you may have a problem. Gambling, in and of itself, isn’t the issue. It’s the fact that you feel that you’re only alive while you’re gambling. In fact, problem gambling often begins with escape gambling. It just progresses from there.
Family Welfare Suffers
When the family’s welfare begins to suffer as a result of gambling, gambling has likely progressed to a severe stage. If you lose your house or are evicted from your apartment, have your car repossessed, or are sent to jail for crimes committed to financing your gambling, you have entered the phase of gambling that is now a steep downward slide.
Thoughts of Self-Destruction
If you’ve ever contemplated hurting yourself or others, entertained thoughts of suicide, or attempted to kill yourself as a result of your gambling, you need help. It’s gone far beyond casual to problem to compulsive gambling addiction. Do not wait a minute longer. Call 988 now to get emergency help.
Help for Your Gambling Problem at Recovery Ranch TN
If any of these signs describe you or your current situation, please know that help for gambling addiction is available. Our caring and compassionate admissions counselors are standing by 24/7 to discuss your unique situation and how we might be able to help. Contact us online or call 1.844.876.7680 to get started today.
