By Rick Benson
I know firsthand how difficult it can be to face the temptation of gambling. As a recovering compulsive gambler and the founder of Algamus, a treatment center dedicated solely to gambling addiction, I've lived through the cycle of addiction. It’s not just the gambling itself that’s the problem – it’s how deeply it can consume you.
Every year, almost two million Americans qualify as pathological gamblers. I’ve seen the devastating effects not only in my own life but in the lives of countless individuals I've worked with at our center. If you’re worried about a friend or a loved one, here are some of the signs to look for to determine if they may be among the many people suffering from an addiction to gambling.
8 Warning Signs of a Gambling Disorder
For many people, gambling can be a pleasant, controlled activity that they can casually take part in. But for others – like myself – gambling can quickly spiral from a harmless pastime to a compulsive disorder that takes over your life.
The difference between these two types of people has nothing to do with mental strength - there can be many different factors as to why someone may develop a gambling disorder.
An individual with a gambling addiction actually experiences similar effects in the brain as someone who has an alcohol or drug addiction, and the effects of gambling can be just as devastating as alcohol or drugs. As a family member of someone who gambles, it is natural to be concerned, and it's important to be aware of the signs of a serious addiction. Here's how to tell if someone has a gambling problem.
#1. Obsession – Unable to Stop Gambling
I remember a time when I couldn’t stop thinking about gambling—whether it was the next bet or reliving the thrill of a big win. That obsession can take over your mind completely. This constant fixation on gambling activities is a telltale sign your loved one is struggling with addiction.
Family and friends often notice the problem before the gambler does, as people in recovery often describe this obsession as something they can’t shake. If every time you turn around, they are on their laptop or cell phone placing bets or playing games, they may have a gambling disorder. Especially if they keep saying they will quit, but just can’t seem to do so.
Unfortunately, with technological advancements, it has become all too easy to gamble. Gambling websites and apps that withdraw money directly from a bank account pose serious issues for people. That instant and constant access can make it incredibly difficult to quit.
#2. Consequences
If someone has a gambling problem, they will likely attempt to conceal their gambling by hiding receipts or bank statements. This is one of the most common gambling addiction symptoms I’ve seen in my line of work over the past 30 years. Another sign is that they may lie about where they are going to avoid being questioned or accused of gambling.
It's important for the gambler to learn that it is wrong to hide such things from their loved ones, and realize that their gambling is not only affecting their own life, but the lives of those around them.
#3. Gambling Despite Consequences
Before my recovery, I lost jobs and went into bankruptcy due to my addiction. I still believed that one more bet would solve everything. It’s a dangerous mindset that I see all too often as I work with clients as well. Despite mounting financial woes or legal consequences, they cannot stop the urge to continue gambling. They may still believe that gambling can solve their financial problems, and will continue to gamble money away with the belief that a "big win" is right around the corner. This is one of the signs of a compulsive gambler.
Unfortunately, it will take more than a significant loss for someone to quit gambling, since problem gamblers still get a high from gambling, regardless of whether they win or lose.
4. Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms When Not Gambling
Emotional withdrawal symptoms can occur when an individual with a gambling addiction stops gambling, even for 24 hours. These symptoms may include:
- irritability
- depression
- anxiety
- restlessness
- decreased sleep & appetite
- change in sex drive
When experiencing withdrawal, gamblers think that they need to gamble in order to feel normal or happy again.
5. Dysfunction in Their Daily Lives
A person with a gambling disorder may experience trouble at work or have a difficult time maintaining relationships. Similar stories played out in my clients’ lives before they recovered from their addiction. They sacrificed hobbies and even basic responsibilities, just to gamble. This dysfunction can spread into every corner of your loved one’s life.
Having serious financial problems is another indicator of a problem. Financial issues can include, but are not limited to:
- They often ask to borrow money often to cover major living expenses such as rent/mortgage.
- They make excuses as to why they can’t pay it back.
- Frequent inability to pay bills resulting in disconnection warnings or service disruptions for failure to pay.
- You observe only limited food in the house and the items are not ingredients for meals but more snack-like requiring little to no preparation.
- Using falsehoods or charm to influence others to give them money or to get them out of trouble.
6. They Get Defensive About Gambling
When people get defensive when accused of having a problem, it is likely that that accusation is accurate, they just haven't accepted it yet. Throughout my years of experience working with gambling addicts, I’ve noticed this defensiveness is a key sign—people know deep down something’s wrong but aren’t ready to admit it.
If this is the case, you won't get the truth out of them by shaming them and telling them how their addiction is ruining your life. The best thing you can do is to speak to a professional gambling counselor, who can help you determine what the best course of action is.
7. Stealing or Unlawful Behavior
As a certified counselor, I’ve heard countless stories of people who stole from their employer to fund their gambling. If a loved one is doing the same to you, they may have a problem. People with a gambling addiction usually need other people to fund their gambling habit. They may commit fraud or steal money and items to sell for money. Committing illegal acts to get money in order to gamble or to recoup losses is one of the signs of gambling addiction and requires immediate need for an intervention. It’s one of the most dangerous aspects of this disease. At Algamus, we focus on helping individuals break free from that spiral before it gets worse.
8. They Express Guilt or Remorse After Gambling
If your loved one has expressed guilt or remorse after a gambling activity, but are still unable to quit, then this may be a sign that they have a problem, and they may even realize that they have a problem. Many of the gamblers I’ve worked with at Algamus share that same struggle. They know they’re in trouble, but the addiction has such a strong hold on them that guilt alone isn’t enough to stop.
If you have seen any of these warning signs, it is important to seek professional advice. A common response when a person with gambling addiction is confronted is denial. Talk to other friends and family members to see if they’ve noticed any of these concerning behaviors.
Presenting a supportive, but united front can make all the difference as you attempt to get your loved one to accept help and seek professional treatment. It will be your love, encouragement, and reinforcement that will help them to fight the battle of gambling addiction.
If you’re searching for a comprehensive and compassionate treatment for a loved one who exhibits signs of a gambling addiction, contact us at Algamus. We have been treating men and women with all types of gambling disorders for 30 years. Speak to a certified gambling counselor to find out more about how we can help.