Chronic gamblers rarely confess that they have a problem and need help. Most gambling addicts do not recognize that their behavior is problematic, nor do they acknowledge that it is interfering with the quality of their life. However, certain signs may indicate that a friend or relative has a gambling problem. It is important that you understand the signs are not limited to your loved one's behavior. Rather, some of the most telling signs are the harmful effects a chronic gambling habit has on you and your family. Recognize these signs if you hope to help.
Secrecy
A compulsive gambler goes to great lengths to keep the extent of her gambling a secret. A gambling addict constantly makes excuses for the long periods she spends away from home. When confronted, she may lie about her activities or wait until the family is asleep to sneak online. According to the Help Guide website, a chronic gambler also tries to keep loved ones from looking too closely at family finances. The amount of money she spends and the losses she sustains when gambling reveal the extent of her problem, so she does her best to hide it.
Compulsiveness
According to the Help Guide website, a compulsive gambler cannot control his impulse to gamble, regardless of what it costs him. He may skip work, neglect family responsibilities or forgo time with friends to gamble. He may make promises to control his gambling habit, but his attempts to do so prove unsuccessful. Consumed by thoughts of gambling, an addict gives in to his compulsion over and over again.
Excessive Debt
A person with a gambling problem continues gambling until every financial resource is exhausted. A chronic gambler sells off property, maxes out credit cards and takes out loans against her home to finance her habit. A gambling addict may even begin stealing when all of her money is gone. According to the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling website, other signs that a person has a gambling problem include frequent calls from bill collectors and household bills that routinely go unpaid because there is no money to pay them.
Defensiveness and Rationalizations
A person with a gambling problem may become defensive about his behavior. According to the Help Guide website, the more debt a loved one accrues, the more he insists on continuing to gamble if she is to recoup his losses. A gambling addict frequently attempts to rationalize his behavior, and you may find yourself on the receiving end of the blame. For example, he may argue that he must gamble to provide you and your family with a nice lifestyle. This is a common manipulation tactic among addicts.
Presently, the American Psychiatric Association or APA classifies pathological gambling as an impulse-control disorder. However, some consider it a physical addiction rather than a disorder. It is difficult to overcome an addiction, but it is possible. If you have a friend or relative who struggles with compulsive gambling, help is available. Treatment options include individual therapy and medication. Also, some casinos offer programs to help chronic gamblers. Contact Gamblers Anonymous for more information.
