Gambling addiction can result in the same problems faced by an alcoholic or drug addict. It can create agony or aggravation for compulsive gamblers and the people around them. While substance abuse may present physical symptoms that signal a need for treatment, gambling addiction may not be so obvious until it reaches the point of personal or financial ruin, even though addiction symptoms are present.
Obsession
A compulsive gambler goes through periods of thinking only about gambling. He may plan constantly for the next gambling event and the place where it will happen. The problem gambler views gambling in similar ways to an alcoholic looking for the next drink or the drug addict looking for the next fix. Gambling can alter the person's mood, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). There may be an increased craving for more gambling that intensifies as the activity continues. The gambling obsession can disrupt family, work or other activities.
Loss of Control
The compulsive gambler builds up a tolerance to gambling similar to the way an alcoholic builds up a tolerance to alcohol. Gambling addicts need to gamble with more money to get their thrill or excitement, Psych Central explains. Gambling addiction becomes an escape from life or problems, and the compulsive gambler may try to cut back on gambling or stop completely but often is unsuccessful. Problem gamblers may suffer through withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness or irritability, when they quit gambling.
Remorse
Gambling addicts can become remorseful after gambling, especially when it interferes with their finances. They may gamble away the money they needed to pay bills, the NCPG notes. They may use income saved for other means to gamble or borrow money to finance the gambling and later regret it. This can lead to depression or even suicidal thoughts in extreme cases.
Risky Activity
In later stages, the compulsive gambler may have thoughts about stealing money or breaking the law to gamble or cover debts. Gambling addicts may lie to family and friends about involvement in gambling, often in an attempt to borrow more money for the activity. Regardless of their troubles, they have an urge to return to gambling to win back their losses. They may begin to risk losing relationships or careers to focus on gambling. Many addicted gamblers also have substance abuse problems, the NCPG points out. This addiction may involve heredity, as some compulsive gamblers report having parents with drinking or gambling problems.
