icon Signs of Gambling Addiction

There are many different signs that you could be addicted to gambling. We’ve created a list below and if you match even one of the points, we would urge you to think carefully about whether gambling is affecting your life adversely. The signs of gambling addiction are:

  • Spending more than you can afford to lose on gambling
  • Finding that you’re unable to control how much you’re gambling
  • Falling out with family regarding gambling issues
  • Spending too much time away from your family and friends
  • Being secretive or even lying about gambling
  • Trying to gamble your way out of financial difficulties
  • Betting more and more to get the same “buzz”
  • Borrowing from friends and family to finance gambling
  • Thinking about gambling on an almost constant basis
  • Failing to meet responsibilities due to gambling excessively

There are many different signs that you could be addicted to gambling. We’ve created a list below and if you match even one of the points, we would urge you to think carefully about whether gambling is affecting your life adversely. The signs of gambling addiction are:

icon Where to Get Help

The first person you should contact (aside from a trusted friend or family member) is your local GP. Many people don’t realise that a GP can help immensely. This is because all good GPs should have details of organisations that can help you. What’s more, speaking to your GP is the first – and perhaps most critical – step towards tackling your addiction. As the old adage goes, admitting to a problem is the first step towards overcoming it. Once you’ve spoken to your GP (or before, if you feel able to), you should seek out your local Gamblers Anonymous (GA) group. These are found in nearly all towns and cities and are a massive help for many. Not only will they provide you with practical tips on how to overcome a problem, but they’ll also provide you with a support network – a group who can help you through when you’re finding it tough to cope on your own. The GA website is also useful, as there’s a chat room and forums to participate in. But where else can you get help? Well, one thing we’d certainly advise you to do is exclude yourself from playing at any casino you’re a member of. Self-exclusion is an option at most sites and it works in a simple way. You tell the site that you want to be excluded and also tell them for how long. Once you have committed to exclusion, you will then find it impossible to sign-in to the specific casino for the time agreed. If you change your mind, there is no way to reverse the decision. There are also a few other sites you can visit, and they are:

iconGamcare

This site is designed to provide information and advice to people suffering from gambling addiction, plus it also has details of people you can contact. You can ring them for free and speak to someone whenever you need to.

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iconNational Problem Gambling Clinic

This is open to those in England and Wales. If you have a particularly serious gambling addiction, you can refer yourself to this NHS organisation and receive specialist treatment for your problems

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iconGordon Moody Association.

The Gordon Moody Association offers residential treatment for those with a gambling problem. This allows the problem to be concentrated on more and should therefore hopefully lead to the best possible result.

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It is important to point out that there is no route that can be described as best for everyone. Everyone is different, and therefore different approaches will work for different people. It’s also important to give any treatment a chance - you will not overcome a gambling addiction in just a few days. Instead, you will have to work hard, alongside your support network, to overcome your own specific issues

That’s about everything you need to know about gambling addiction. We hope that this page has helped you and, if you are suffering from a problem with gambling, we hope that you find the support you need.