Gambling is a fun pastime for some people, but if your gambling is starting to affect your everyday life, relationships, and finances, it may be time to get help for a gambling addiction. It might be tempting to tell ourselves that a gambling addiction can feel more manageable than other addictions, but addiction in any form can take a toll on your life and mental health. If you or a loved one have a gambling addiction, it may be time to reach out for help.
Signs of a Gambling Addictions
Whether you like to play poker, bet on sports events, or even just like cheap scratch tickets, gambling can feel like a rush. But where do we draw the line between a fun activity and an addiction? Here are a few signs you or a loved one might be addicted to gambling:
- Having trouble controlling your gambling – Whether you’re winning or losing, at some point, we have to stop. If you’re having trouble setting limits and then walking away, you may have a gambling addiction.
- Keeping your gambling a secret – Like most addictions, secretive behavior is a huge tip-off. Whether you’re keeping it a complete secret or lying to others about the amount of time and money you spend gambling, feeling the need to be cryptic about your gambling habits can be indicative of a bigger problem.
- Gambling even when you don’t have the money – Many addictive gamblers will continue to gamble even when they’re out of money. Either they up the stakes until everything is gone or even gamble with money or things they shouldn’t, resorting to selling their belongings for extra gambling money in hopes they’ll win it back. You may find yourself needing to borrow money from others or even steal to fund your gambling habits.
- Denying you have a problem – If your friends and family are worried about your gambling, it can feel easy to write them off, but it’s often hard to see a problem when we’re in the middle of it.
Speak to a Therapist About Your Gambling Addiction
When it comes to addiction, it can feel tempting to try and get your addiction under control by yourself so that nobody knows the extent of it. But when your gambling addiction is starting to affect your relationships, your finances, and your overall life, it’s time to get help. Dr. Devers and Associates at Philly Family Life Counseling, LLC are experienced addiction counselors who want to help you break free from your addiction and live a happier and healthier life. For more information on how to get help for a gambling addiction, call our office at 215-677-3810 or fill out our online form. You can also call 1-800-GAMBLER and the National Problem Gambling Helpline to help you find more resources about gambling addiction and where to get help. Don’t let your addiction control your life; help is just a call away.
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