He/She:
is always
thinking about gambling or how to get money to gamble with
often
gambles larger amounts of money or over a longer period of time than intended
needs
to increase the size or number of bets to reach a high of excitement
experiences
restlessness or becomes very nervous or upset if unable to gamble
repeatedly
loses money by gambling and returns another day to win back losses (chasing)
repeats
efforts to reduce or stop gambling
often
gambles when expected to meet social or work obligations
misses
important social, work, or recreational activities in order to gamble
continues
to gamble even though they cannot pay back the debts they have or despite
other significant social, work, or legal problems are complicated by gambling
When a gambling problems exists, many of these behaviours
are present well before the gambler suffers a major financial crisis.
Problem gambling phases:
While
the gambler is winning, he/she feels lucky, important, and likes who they
are
Their self-esteem
is high
The occasional
loss is considered just bad luck
When
losses increase, the gambler becomes less confident, begins borrowing money
to get even and hides the losses by borrowing more money
Lies, loan
frauds, absenteeism, family disputes, and job changes are common danger
signals
The
gambler becomes obsessed with getting even to cover stolen money, hidden
withdrawals from family bank accounts, and secret loans
The gambler
panics at the thought that the gambling action will cease if the credit
or bail outs stop
The gambler
can experience severe mood swings and suicide may be attempted as a way
out
Compulsive gambling is a diagnosable, treatable
condition that affects the gambler, family, employer and community. It is
called the "hidden illness" since there is no smell on
the breath nor stumbling of steps or speech. Nonetheless, it is as debilitating
as an alcohol or drug problem.
If you believe you have a problem with gambling;
ask yourself these questions:
- Do you lose time from work due to gambling?
- Does gambling make your home life unhappy?
- Does gambling affect your reputation?
- Do you ever feel remorse after gambling?
- Do you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts
or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
- Does gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
- After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as
possible and win back your losses?
- After a win, do you have a strong urge to return and
win more?
- Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
- Do you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
- Do you ever sell anything to finance gambling?
- Are you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal
expenditures?
- Does gambling make you careless about the welfare of
your family?
- Do you ever gamble longer than you planned?
- Do you ever gamble to escape worry or trouble?
- Do you ever commit, or consider committing, an illegal
act to finance your gambling?
- Does gambling cause you to have difficulties sleeping?
- Do arguments, disappointments, or frustrations create
within you an urge to gamble?
- Do you have an urge to celebrate good fortune by a few
hours of gambling?
- Do you ever consider suicide as a result of your gambling?
If you answer "yes" to at least seven of the twenty questions
you could have a compulsive gambling problem.
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