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Addiction is the most common malady affecting people today. There are all kinds of addictions – to alcohol, certain drugs, shopping and gambling, to name just a few. They often aren’t easy to spot because the addicts try to hide it, and at first, are successful.
There are several signs to look for in a gambler here, but the list is longer.
It often starts out as fun. It’s exciting, the game of chance sends a rush of pheromones from their brain and it feels like a high. It feels good and the gambler begins trying to recreate that temporary high, causing them to gamble more.
An addict thinks of gambling or ways to get money all the time. They also will bet on anything; the outcome of a game, who gets done at work first, and on and on.
Life Changes for the Gambling Addict and Family
Addicts will start to disappear more. Trips to the store will take longer and longer, and everything they have to leave home for begins to take precedence over family or celebrations. They go to bars, if not casinos, and will gamble until the last dollar is gone.
The addict gets overly defensive when asked about gambling. The response is far more than the question or comment deserved. They also begin to lie.
When the gambling addict tries to stop on their own, they go through many of the same symptoms that someone trying to quit drugs will go through; nervousness, restlessness, emotional extremes, they get irritable and cranky.
If any of these signs are present, this person needs to get help before it’s too late.
