Any addiction is dangerous; gambling is no exception. John M. Grohol, Psy.D., author of the Psych Central website's article "Warning Signs and Risk Factors for Pathological Gambling," writes that gambling addiction affects 2 to 4 percent of the population. If left untreated, the compulsive behavior can cause serious problems for the gambler and her family, such as uncontrollable debt.
Monetary Problems
A person with a gambling addiction continues to gamble, even if he has no money. The Rhode Island Hospital website says that the gambler often "chases" his loss. When this happens, he is trying to win back the money he has lost, but he ends up digging himself into a bigger hole. The gambler also increases his debt through borrowing money from others. Grohol notes that loved ones might notice the gambling addiction when valuables are missed and bills are unpaid. The gambler might have an unusual increase in credit card activity. He may also have unexplained extra cash, even if he has overdue bills.
Secrecy
A gambler lives a life of secrecy, covering her addiction. The Help Guide website says that the gambler becomes defensive when she is questioned about her addiction, increasing the amount of secrecy in her life. The gambler also is secretive about her finances and how she spends her money. Rhode Island Hospital adds that the addict will also lie about her gambling.
Low Impulse Control
Since a gambling addiction is due to a low impulse control, the gambler is not able to control or stop his gambling, according to Rhode Island Hospital. The gambler may be ambivalent about his gambling, saying he could stop, but does not want to. He becomes preoccupied with his gambling; the gambling starts taking over other parts of his life. As a result, many gambling addicts deal with legal problems, divorce and bankruptcy. He may continue to gamble to cover up other emotions or problems.
