Luqman mohamedy
JF-Expert Member
- Jul 24, 2016
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8 Signs You’re Addicted to Gambling and 5 Tips to Stop
Eight signs you’ve got a gambling problem
1. You can’t stop
Just as an experienced poker player knows when to “hold ’em or fold ’em,” those who gamble for fun limit themselves and their bets. Compulsive gamblers struggle with both the time and money they’re spending. Betting takes over their life, and they find themselves constantly wagering. They try to quit, but can’t.
2. You gamble with money you can’t afford to lose
Problem gamblers don’t stop with “fun money” set aside for betting. They use money budgeted for bills, savings, or their kids’ education. Sometimes they squander not just their last penny, but borrowed money as well.
The psychologist Stacy interviewed said one of his patients had borrowed money from sources so unsavory, he’d put his family’s safety at risk.
3. Your bets go beyond entertainment
Recreational gamblers play for fun and spend a few dollars to have a good time. Gambling addicts place bets for reasons other than entertainment, often trying to escape anxiety or other problems. Whatever issues you face, gambling isn’t the solution.
4. You attempt to recover losses by gambling more
Have you repeatedly tried to get back money you’ve lost gambling by betting more? Problem gamblers may see more betting as the solution to financial loses rather than what it is – throwing good money after bad.
5. You gamble with more and more money
Like many addictions, pathological gambling can start small. But problem gamblers won’t be content keeping the stakes low or setting limits. They need to bet more and more to experience the rush.
6. You go to extremes to find money to gamble
Pathological gamblers don’t stop gambling when their bank account runs dry. Instead they go to extremes to find more money. While this may stop with borrowing, some problem gamblers resort to theft, forgery, or other crimes to feed their habit.
7. You put gambling before more important things
Problem gamblers allow their habit to take priority over other parts of their lives. A gambling addict might skip watching her child’s soccer game or miss time at work to hit the casino. Careers are put on the back burner and relationships deteriorate at the expense their habit.
8. Gambling negatively affects your emotions
While gambling can be an exhilarating experience, addicts might experience emotions signaling a problem, including:
Frustration or irritation when you’ve tried to quit and failedFeelings of remorseA decrease in ambitionAn urge to celebrate an unrelated event by gambling
In addition to these warning signs, test if you’re addicted to gambling on the Gamblers Anonymous website.
If you believe you’re addicted, there are steps to help you quit. Taking early action is the key to salvaging your job, relationships, and bank account.
How to treat a gambling addiction
1. Admit you have a problem
Gambling is like any addiction: The first step is to admit you have a problem. Experts say treatment won’t be effective if the addict can’t take this important first step. Admitting to the problem means you’re ready to make an effort to stop.
2. Get support
Gambling addictions are hard to fight alone. Family and friends can be a good source of support, and Gamblers Anonymous can help recovering addicts share their experiences and find encouragement.
3. Avoid temptation
Addicts have to avoid environments that lead to gambling. Stay away from casinos, race tracks, poker games, or anything else that might remind or tempt you. Cut bad influences out of your life.
Take away sources for financing your habit by giving your spouse or someone else control of your money. If you’re using credit cards to fund your habit, cut them up and close the accounts.
4. Replace gambling with something positive
Find a replacement activity or hobby. Whether it’s jogging, rock climbing, or fly fishing, find something to take the place of gambling.
5. Seek professional help
The intensity of treatment for gambling addiction varies case-by-case. Up to 70 percent of those with gambling addictions may have other psychiatric conditions, making additional treatment necessary.
Psychotherapy may be a part of treatment, and medications are sometimes prescribed that help reduce the urge to the prob.
Fata hizo step utaondokana na hili janga
Eight signs you’ve got a gambling problem
1. You can’t stop
Just as an experienced poker player knows when to “hold ’em or fold ’em,” those who gamble for fun limit themselves and their bets. Compulsive gamblers struggle with both the time and money they’re spending. Betting takes over their life, and they find themselves constantly wagering. They try to quit, but can’t.
2. You gamble with money you can’t afford to lose
Problem gamblers don’t stop with “fun money” set aside for betting. They use money budgeted for bills, savings, or their kids’ education. Sometimes they squander not just their last penny, but borrowed money as well.
The psychologist Stacy interviewed said one of his patients had borrowed money from sources so unsavory, he’d put his family’s safety at risk.
3. Your bets go beyond entertainment
Recreational gamblers play for fun and spend a few dollars to have a good time. Gambling addicts place bets for reasons other than entertainment, often trying to escape anxiety or other problems. Whatever issues you face, gambling isn’t the solution.
4. You attempt to recover losses by gambling more
Have you repeatedly tried to get back money you’ve lost gambling by betting more? Problem gamblers may see more betting as the solution to financial loses rather than what it is – throwing good money after bad.
5. You gamble with more and more money
Like many addictions, pathological gambling can start small. But problem gamblers won’t be content keeping the stakes low or setting limits. They need to bet more and more to experience the rush.
6. You go to extremes to find money to gamble
Pathological gamblers don’t stop gambling when their bank account runs dry. Instead they go to extremes to find more money. While this may stop with borrowing, some problem gamblers resort to theft, forgery, or other crimes to feed their habit.
7. You put gambling before more important things
Problem gamblers allow their habit to take priority over other parts of their lives. A gambling addict might skip watching her child’s soccer game or miss time at work to hit the casino. Careers are put on the back burner and relationships deteriorate at the expense their habit.
8. Gambling negatively affects your emotions
While gambling can be an exhilarating experience, addicts might experience emotions signaling a problem, including:
Frustration or irritation when you’ve tried to quit and failedFeelings of remorseA decrease in ambitionAn urge to celebrate an unrelated event by gambling
In addition to these warning signs, test if you’re addicted to gambling on the Gamblers Anonymous website.
If you believe you’re addicted, there are steps to help you quit. Taking early action is the key to salvaging your job, relationships, and bank account.
How to treat a gambling addiction
1. Admit you have a problem
Gambling is like any addiction: The first step is to admit you have a problem. Experts say treatment won’t be effective if the addict can’t take this important first step. Admitting to the problem means you’re ready to make an effort to stop.
2. Get support
Gambling addictions are hard to fight alone. Family and friends can be a good source of support, and Gamblers Anonymous can help recovering addicts share their experiences and find encouragement.
3. Avoid temptation
Addicts have to avoid environments that lead to gambling. Stay away from casinos, race tracks, poker games, or anything else that might remind or tempt you. Cut bad influences out of your life.
Take away sources for financing your habit by giving your spouse or someone else control of your money. If you’re using credit cards to fund your habit, cut them up and close the accounts.
4. Replace gambling with something positive
Find a replacement activity or hobby. Whether it’s jogging, rock climbing, or fly fishing, find something to take the place of gambling.
5. Seek professional help
The intensity of treatment for gambling addiction varies case-by-case. Up to 70 percent of those with gambling addictions may have other psychiatric conditions, making additional treatment necessary.
Psychotherapy may be a part of treatment, and medications are sometimes prescribed that help reduce the urge to the prob.
Fata hizo step utaondokana na hili janga
