How To Find Out If You Have A Gambling Problem

How To Find Out If You Have A Gambling Problem Involving
How To Find Out If You Have A Gambling Problem Called
How To Find Out If You Have A Gambling Problem At A

Recovering from a gambling problem isn't always easy. It can take hard work and a lot of encouragement.

The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network also includes text and chat services. These features enable those who are gambling online or on their mobile phone to access help the same way they play. One call, text or chat will get you to problem gambling help anywhere in the U.S. Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting many Wisconsin residents of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds. It is said to be a 'hidden addiction,' because unlike alcohol and drug abuse, most people don't see any of the symptoms. You may have lost your home, car, job, and important personal possessions due to gambling. You’re facing a range of negative emotions triggered by gambling. Gambling may be a serious problem in your life if it’s triggering depression, anxiety, frustration, agitation, and remorse. You want to stop gambling but can’t. You have tried to stop. These questions may help you explore your gambling experience. If you find that checked a lot of the boxes in #1 or you answered 'Yes' to questions 2 through 5, you may have a gambling problem. Think about learning more about gambling or have your gambling assessed by calling the 24-hour Helpline. In the past 12 months have you.

Many people with a gambling addiction can turn their lives around because of support from people close to them.

We can help you provide this support with information and tips specifically suited to your situation.

I’m Worried About Someone

Information on how to help your loved ones.

How to prepare yourself to support someone, mentally and emotionally

Steps to limit the impacts of your loved one’s gambling on you.

Understanding why people gamble

Understand how gambling can start and why it’s hard to stop.

Having the conversation

Ways you can help someone with a gambling problem.

Looking after your finances

Tips for partners, family and friends to protect your finances

Protecting yourself and your family

If you have ever felt threatened or unsafe, or if you are concerned about the welfare of children affected by a parent’s gambling, it’s important that you know that there is support available.

Identifying if someone close to you has a gambling problem

Gambling issues are often easy to hide. People who gamble compulsively may feel ashamed and fear being rejected.

These factors combine to create considerable barriers to help-seeking seeking help. And can explain why some people deny the problem until the impacts are severe.

If your friend or family member is struggling with their gambling, he or she might:

have long, unexplained absences from home, school, or work.
withdraw from family and friends.
seem anxious or distracted, or have difficulty paying attention.
have mood swings, usually high when winning and lower when losing.
get overly upset at the conclusion of sporting matches or online games.
become secretive over money and finances or start to hide bank and credit card statements.
display intense interest in gambling conversations.
ask friends and family for money.
have unexplained debts, or windfalls of cash or new items (like new clothes or jewellery).
is always either short of money, or exceedingly generous.
has money conflicts with other people.

You may notice that:

money is missing from the house or from bank accounts.
an increasing lack of money despite the same income and expenses.
your family member takes on extra jobs, but you don't see any extra money.
unexplained dwindling of savings and assets.
jewellery or other valuables disappearing and reappearing as they are pawned.
your family member talks about gambling all the time.
your family member defends gambling as a way to get money.
Your family member may get secretive, defensive or even blame you for the need to gamble. They may you that it is ‘all for you’ and you need to trust in the ‘big win someday.’

Sunenna’s Story

“You’re not alone and help is available.” Sunenna says many people think their story is unique, but there are lots of people fighting similar battles.

Chandana's story

“You don’t need to keep it to yourself.” Chandana’s was shocked to find out about her partner’s gambling. She says that without the help of others, she could never have rebounded so quickly.

Gambling harm podcast: Affected others

Real stories

See full listing of stories

How To Find Out If You Have A Gambling Problem Involving

Take this gambling addiction test to help find out whether you have a problem with gambling or a real gambling problem.

How to Recognize a Gambling Problem

It isn't difficult to determine if a person has a gambling problem. The signs of a gambling addiction or gambling problem are likely apparent to significant others surrounding the person with a gambling addiction. But to the gambling addict who's enmeshed in the world of betting, it's often difficult to see things clearly.

Gambler's Anonymous asks its new members twenty questions. These questions are provided to help the individual decide if he or she is a compulsive gambler and wants to stop gambling. Pathological gamblers usually answer 'yes' to at least seven of these questions:

Gambling Addiction Test: Is Gambling A Problem for You?

Do you really want to know if you have problems with gambling. Answer these gambling addiction test questions honestly.

Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
Did gambling affect your reputation?
Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
Were you reluctant to use 'gambling money' for normal expenditures?
Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

Gambling Problem? What Next?

If you are concerned about having a gambling problem, even if you just consider if a 'problem with gambling,' print the results of this gambling addiction test and share them with your doctor, a counselor or therapist, or someone else you trust. Problem gambling can be helped with proper gambling addiction treatment.

Sources:

How To Find Out If You Have A Gambling Problem Called

Gambler's Anonymous

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APA Reference
Gluck, S. (2008, December 16). Do You Have A Gambling Problem?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, December 16 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/gambling-addiction-test