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Step 1
Look for growing and continuing problems in any area of the gambler's life, including missing school or work, frequents arguments and acquiring a poor reputation. You may also see a decline in their ambition or productivity.
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Step 2
Recognize reckless or thoughtless behavior, such as gambling without any thought of consequences and periods of remorse that may follow a large loss, including a desire to immediately regain the loss.
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Step 3
See if the gambler demonstrates nervousness, irritability or frustration when not gambling or creates consistent breakdown in personal relationships. When faced with difficulties, they may show an urge to escape by gambling.
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Step 4
See if the gambler shows an inability or unwillingness to accept reality. They may also want to escape into the dream world of gambling.
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Step 5
Recognize feelings of insecurity or low self-esteem, which may manifest in only feeling comfortable while gambling. Some may want to feel important and powerful while others want to subconsciously punish themselves.
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Step 6
Identify if the gambler is emotionally immature and seeks to avoid responsibility. They may want riches without having to work for them. Perhaps they're planning what they will do with the money that they will eventually win, even seeing themselves as the good person because they plan to spend that money on others or in a charitable way.
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Step 7
Beware if the gambler frequently asks to borrow money, gambles their last dollar or sells personal items to finance their gambling habit. They may also earmark money solely for gambling.
