Do you feel like gambling is taking over your life? Do you find it hard to stop yourself from playing slots, poker, or online bingo for even just one day? New bingo sites are often irresistible not to sign up. But if it happens more and more, whether while you’re at work or trying to sleep, you need to ask yourself. Are you already addicted to gambling? It can be difficult to admit, but it’s essential to face up to the fact that you have a problem. In today’s post, we will pinpoint some of the most common red flags that signal an addiction to gamble.
No Day Without Gambling
The first and most obvious sign that gambling has become an addiction is when you cannot go a day without playing. This could manifest in many different ways. For example, you might start skipping work or essential appointments to gamble. Or, you might find yourself gambling for longer and longer periods until it feels like all you ever do is to gamble. If you cannot go a day without gambling, it is definitely time to seek help.
Constantly Gambling Despite the Consequences
At a certain point, gambling addicts may have heard several times from well-meaning family and friends that they have a problem. Their family also usually mentions the consequences. But even after hearing this, they continue to gamble. If you find yourself in this situation, you are likely addicted to gambling. After all, if you were not addicted, you would be able to listen to your loved ones and stop gambling.
Emotional Withdrawal When Not Gambling
When not gambling, do you feel irritable or anxious? Do you find it hard to concentrate on anything else? If so, these could be signs of emotional withdrawal. Just like drug addicts need drugs to function, gambling addicts need to gamble to feel normal. This is a major sign that gambling has become an addiction and that you need help.
Financial Issues
Another significant sign that gambling has become an addiction is financial problems. If you find yourself borrowing money to gamble or selling possessions to get money to gamble, it is definitely time to seek help. A study in 2016 found that the average gambling debt was £13,000. This is a huge amount of money to owe and can ruin your life.
Crimes to Gamble
Speaking of financial issues, have you ever stolen money to gamble? Have you ever gambled with money that you can’t afford to lose? If you have, this is a sign that gambling has become an addiction. Addicts will often do whatever it takes to get their fix, even if it means breaking the law. This can be extremely harmful not just to the addict but also to their loved ones.
If you can relate to any of the points above, it is essential to seek help as soon as possible. Gambling addiction can ruin lives, so don’t hesitate to get the help you need. Many resources are available, so please reach out and get started on your road to recovery today. Trust me, your life will be much better when you can quit your gambling addiction.