How to Identify Signs of a Gambling Problem

Gambling is an addiction as bad as any other. People who gamble compulsively risk losing everything, and recognizing the signs of a gambling problem is imperative to head off disaster.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Instructions On Identifying Signs Of a Gambling Problem

1. Observe the gambler carefully to see how often he gambles, and if he gambles when other things should be taking priority (work, family, etc). If he spends more and more time obsessing about his bets, he is on his way to addiction.

2. Monitor the amount of money lost. If more and more of each paycheck is going down the tubes, there is cause for concern. Try to point this out and watch for a defensive reaction and an assertion that the person plans to continue gambling.

3. Watch the bid amounts. If they get higher and higher as the gambler desperately tries to recoup losses then there is a problem. She may even stray into illegal gambling for higher stakes and payouts. This is when a decision should be made to intervene.

4. Show the gambler a ledger with all losses clearly marked, and lined up against what the money should have been used for-rent, bills, and other household expenses. If the only excuse he has for continuing to gamble is that he had bad luck, but it is going to turn, he may have become compulsive.

5. Ask her if they would be willing to cut himself off and not gamble anymore. If the answer is no, even in the face of such proof that the gambling is detrimental to his life, You can be fairly certain that he has a gambling problem.

Tips & Warnings

• An intervention may be necessary. Try to time it for when the gambler has hit a rough patch, and may be receptive to the idea that gambling is a destructive influence in her life.
• Don’t make the mistake of thinking gambling can’t be compared to other types of addiction. Compulsive behavior can ruin lives no matter what the outlet is.

[luckycharms]

on 1/29/2009 good tips.