Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling, may be a type of impulse-control disorder. Compulsive gamblers keep gambling whether they're up or down, broke or flush, happy or depressed. Gambling addiction, also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling, problem gambling, or gambling disorder involves maladaptive patterns of gambling behavior that the individual persists with, despite negative consequences. This is consistent with behavior patterns observed in other addictions.
Gambling addiction a serious issue that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Read these 5 signs that you may have an addiction and need help to quit gambling.
Do you have a loved one or friend who’s addicted to gambling?
Despite the controversy surrounding the idea that gambling is an addiction, pathological gambling can wreak havoc on a person’s life.
What is a gambling addiction? It’s classified as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling, or a gambling disorder.
If you believe a family member or loved one needs to quit gambling, here are the tell-tale signs of addiction.
What Defines Addiction?
Addiction is defined as “a condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity.”
Synonyms include dependency, habit, weakness, compulsion, fixation, and even enslavement. Experts define any type of addiction as a pathological behavior with negative or destructive consequences.
If you or someone you know shows signs of pathological gambling despite bad consequences, it could be an addiction.
Do you have the intention to quit gambling but can’t seem to follow through? This is a standout sign of gambling addiction.
Understanding Gambling Behaviors
What Defines Pathological Gambling?
Pathological gambling is characterized by dysfunctional patterns of gambling behavior.
In this case, an individual may still persist with these negative behaviors. They do this despite dire consequences to their financial and family life. This kind of behavior is consistent with other patterns found in other addictions.
However, pathological gambling is now defined as a behavioral addiction. It’s also considered a mental disorder.
In the past, experts defined gambling addiction as merely an “impulse control disorder.” Because of the destructive nature of pathological gambling, it’s now considered a disorder which requires rehabilitative treatment.
Characteristics of a Pathological Gambler
It’s important to note that not all gambling behaviors are destructive or harmful. While some may enjoy the thrill of gambling, it doesn’t mean they’re addicted to it.
However, there are tell-tale signs to watch out for if you believe someone needs to quit gambling.
Signs of Pathological Gambling
- Complete preoccupation with gambling
- Neglecting work and home life
- An inability to quit or control gambling behavior
- Disruption of work commitment, career, and daily routine
- Compulsively lying about their whereabouts and behaviors
- Increased financial woes and irresponsible spending
- Gambling with larger sums of money
- Stealing or borrowing money
- Failure to acknowledge right from wrong by continually chasing losses
Typical Forms of Gambling
Gambling addiction is known as a “silent disease” because it’s difficult to diagnose and can take many forms.
Some of the most common forms of gambling behaviors include:
- Casino gambling
- Slot machine gambling
- Poker or other card game gambling
- Lottery gambling
- Sports betting
- Bingo
- Scratchcard betting
- Raffle gambling
The Mentality Behind Pathological Gambling
During the gambling process, money is the driving force behind it all.
Very often, those with a gambling addiction are driven by the positives of having more money. They seek financial freedom, security, comfort, and power.
Alternatively, a gambling addiction can be attributed to trying to fill a void in the person’s life.
Pathological gamblers sometimes fail to recognize reality. Gambling is a process where the odds are forever stacked against you. Many people gamble away their winnings in a failed attempt to out-do themselves.
This is an unrealistic warped mentality driven by denial and the “thrill” of winning.
Mental Distortions and Pathological Gambling
The reality is that gambling is a completely unreliable way of making money.
It’s a process where you have a chance of winning or losing, every single time. Nothing is guaranteed.
To develop a gambling addiction, a person’s sense of reality must be somewhat distorted. Most pathological gamblers will display cognitive distortions in a number of different forms.
These may include:
1. Attribution to winning.
2. Thinking that random outcomes of gambling can magically be predicted.
3. Superstitions like using lucky charms or wearing certain types of clothing.
4. Developing gambling “systems” where they believe the house advantage can be beaten.
5. Using selective memory to gloss over losses and concentrate on wins.
6. Personifying a gambling device or machine and trying to outsmart it.
7. Using near-miss experiences where they “almost won” to motivate themselves to continue.
8. Denial and the belief that they can always win back any money they lose.
Scenarios that Signify Gambling Addiction
People with addictions are usually unable to see or face the reality of their behavior. Very often, it’s family and friends who have to bring an addict back to reality.
This is usually done by means of an intervention.
If you have a loved one or friend who needs to quit gambling, these are some common scenarios to look out for:
They’ve Lost Control
In this situation, the addiction has taken over. It’s no longer about a desire, but rather a compulsion.
A pathological gambler is addicted to the “high” of winning and will pursue this thrill at all costs.
They Spend Every Last Penny They Have
This is where losing is not a deterrent. It’s almost a motivation to keep gambling in order to win back what’s been lost.
In this scenario, a person may be in complete denial of having lost anything at all. They convince themselves they’ll win it all back.
They’re Spending Money That’s Not Theirs
This may be one of the most obvious symptoms of a gambling addiction.
A person may borrow money time and time again and fail to pay it back. Credit card bills are through the roof and they’re behind on monthly repayments.
Many pathological gamblers even resort to stealing money from their spouse or family members.
They’re Defensive and Sensitive
When a conversation about the need to quit gambling is brought up, a person becomes defensive and angry.
Signs Of A Pathological Gambler
They may even accuse you of being a terrible spouse, friend, or sibling for accusing them of having a problem. Denial is central to their behavior.
Signs Of Compulsive Gambling
Do You Need to Quit Gambling?
One of the first steps to changing your life for the better is admitting you have an addiction.
Warning Signs Of Compulsive Gambling
If you, a loved one, or a family member needs to quit gambling, our team at Muse Treatment can help you through the process.
Signs Of Pathological Gambling Rules
We invite you to take a look at our range of program options. Please get in touch if you have any questions.