A gambling problem, also known as gambling addition or compulsive gambling, is an addiction that should be treated as seriously as a drug or alcohol addiction. According to the Mayo Clinic, a gambling addiction occurs when an individual feels he must gamble, "despite the toll it takes on your life." If you think your spouse may have a gambling problem, he must be willing to admit he has an addiction, as well as want to take the steps to control it himself.
Step 1
Determine whether your spouse's gambling is ruling his life. According to Gamblers Anonymous, a compulsive gambler is described as a person whose gambling has "caused growing and continuing problems in any department of his or her life." If this description sounds like your spouse, he or she most likely has a gambling problem.
Step 2
Check on your spouse to determine if she goes where she says she goes. For example, if your spouse leaves for work at 7:00, call her office at 7:30 to see if she has gotten to work yet. If she arrives at work at 9:00, your spouse may be leaving the house early to gamble.
Step 3
Ask your spouse's friends and family members if your spouse has borrowed money from them. Additionally, check your bank account to determine if your spouse has spent money in your collective savings without telling you.
Step 4
Ask your spouse if she feels guilty after gambling. Even if your spouse swears that she is quitting gambling for good, if she continues to gamble after making this claim, she most likely has a gambling problem.
Step 5
Determine if you are enabling your spouse's gambling habit. If you make excuses for your spouse, give him money to gamble or pretend that the problem does not exist, you are enabling your spouse and making his gambling addiction worse. Support your spouse, but do not provide money or excuses for your spouse, which will only make the addiction easier to maintain.
Tips and Warnings
- According to the Mayo Clinic, compulsive gambling is an impulse-control disorder.
- If your spouse is depressed or suicidal, contact 1-800-SUICIDE immediately.
