5 Signs You’re Addicted to Gambling

Addiction can sneak up on you. Anyone who has an addiction will tell you that a major part of the problem was that they didn’t realize or accept that what they were doing was causing harm either to themselves or others or both. Of course, the only way to work towards a solution is by accepting that there’s a problem in the first place. Here are some signs that are common among those with a gambling addiction.

1. It never feels like enough. Telling yourself that you’ll just play one more game, and then saying it again, and again, is a sign of a gambling addiction.
2. You think about ways to gamble often when you’re not actually gambling. If your mind usually wanders to gambling, you probably have a gambling addiction.
3. You know you can’t afford to gamble, and you recognize that it will hurt you or your family, but you still do it. Compulsive gamblers know they are doing harm but can’t figure out how to stop themselves.
4. You blame others for your need to gamble. It’s common for compulsive gamblers to rationalize their behavior by blaming stress they say is caused by family or work.
5. You hide your gambling from friends and family. If you’ve got a gambling addiction, you most likely don’t tell anyone about your trip to the casino or other gambling activities, even if your actions will directly effect them.

A gambling problem is just that: a problem. If you feel that you don’t have control over your gambling habits and you know your actions are causing harm or problems in your life, it’s likely you have a gambling addiction. The good news is that it is possible to get help. Now that you know there are solutions, it’s time to reach out. Talk to a counsellor if you want an objective and supportive ally in your battle against gambling addiction.