A gambling addiction is one of the hardest to track and treat because there are generally no external signs on the addict. Drug users and alcoholics usually have a physical symptom or affect that makes the addiction easier to spot. Most of the signs for a gambling addiction are behavioral ones. The following questions may help you decide if you or your loved one has a gambling addiction.
- Do large amounts of money keep disappearing from your bank account?
This is more applicable to spouses than concerned family members, but if there is a history of questionable withdrawals or rapid reductions of funds, this should be a subject of concern. - Does your loved one try to hide his or her gambling from you?
Generally, a gambling addict will try to hide his or her gambling from concerned loved ones. If a gambler lies about where he is going or where she has been, you should start looking for other signs of the addiction. - Is your loved one constantly asking for money from you and other sources?
A gambling addict will usually go to several different sources for gambling money, whether it’s a bank, a family member, or a friend. They may max out their credit cards or attempt to get private loans. If you see a huge influx of money going into a person with no discernible output, you should be concerned. - Is your loved one defensive about their gambling?
Incessant cries of “I don’t have a problem!” or “I can stop whenever I want to!” should be treated as red flags, especially if they become more frequent and insistent. - Does your loved one frequently skip out on commitments or previous plans to go gambling?
If your loved one is constantly breaking their word with you, other family members or friends, or a job, you should be talk to them about a potential gambling addiction.