5 Warning Signs You May Be Developing a Gambling Addiction

There are many warning signs of gambling addiction and it’s important to take notice before the problem becomes too far out of control. A gambling addiction can have long-lasting consequences if not addressed immediately, so it’s best to get help from professionals as soon as possible if you believe you or someone close to you has an issue with gambling addiction. Here are five warning signs to look out for that could indicate that gambling may have become an addiction in your life.

1) Preoccupation With Gambling

If you find that you can’t stop thinking about gambling, even when you’re not doing it, it may be a sign that you’re developing an addiction. This preoccupation can lead to problems at work, school, or home as you try to sneak in time to gamble.

As the problem worsens, you’ll likely need more money to sustain your habit. In fact, most people with a gambling addiction will incur huge debts and ruin their finances before they get help for their problem. There are many ways of getting the funds you need: borrowing from friends and family members; stealing; fraudulently using credit cards; embezzlement; and other illegal activities such as prostitution or dealing drugs.

2) Need To Increase The Amount Spent/Staked 

If you find that you need to gamble with larger and larger amounts of money in order to feel the same level of excitement, this is a warning sign that you may be developing a gambling addiction. This is because as your tolerance for gambling increases, so does the amount of money you need to spend in order to get the same high. As your addiction progresses, you may start taking bigger and bigger risks in order to achieve the same thrill, which can quickly spiral out of control.

3) Lying About or Concealing Gambling

Lying about or concealing gambling is often one of the first warning signs that someone has developed a gambling addiction. If you find yourself being less than truthful about where you were or what you were doing, it may be time to reassess your relationship with gambling.

4) Risking Relationships Or Other Opportunities

Gambling can quickly become all-consuming, and if you find that you’re risking relationships or other opportunities in order to gamble, it’s a sign that you may have developed an addiction. Other warning signs include gambling more frequently, chasing losses, and lying about your gambling habits. If you’re concerned that you or someone you know may be addicted to gambling, reach out for help.

5) Trying But Failing To Stop Or Control Behaviour 

If you’ve tried to stop gambling but can’t seem to stick to it, this is a warning sign that you may be developing an addiction. It’s easy to fall back into old habits, especially when gambling is such an accessible activity. If you find yourself gambling more and more often, or spending more money than you can afford to lose, it’s time to seek help at a rehab clinic.

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