The Ultimate Guide to Recognizing Gaming Addiction

Are you a fan of placing the occasional high-stakes wager on a sporting event? Do you enjoy playing games such as slots, poker or roulette for real money? While there is certainly nothing wrong with these pastimes, they can become problematic when taken to an extreme. Current research suggests that more than 450 million adults are engaged in risky behaviours related to gambling, and this number may actually be an understatement.

Similar to any illness, diagnosing the problem represents the first step. Are there any telltale signs that changes need to be made? While some are more subtle than others, each is important to note at an early stage. Let us take a look at a handful of common “red flags”. It will then be easier to determine if some type of intervention is needed.

Obsessive Thoughts

Interestingly enough, this first indicator is not limited to gambling alone. It is often present in many other disorders. The main takeaway point here is that intrusive thoughts can often signal that the mind has become overly preoccupied; especially if they begin to “bleed over” into other aspects of your everyday life. These could involve planning the next wagering session, budgeting to accommodate for potential losses, and even reliving times when you walked away a winner.

The Art of the Escape

Another sign that an individual may have a problem with gambling involves its intended purpose. For some of us, wagering is nothing more than a way to pass the time, and to possibly walk away with a decent side hustle. For others, it has become so prevalent that it is used as a means to escape. One person may turn to gambling to alleviate feelings of stress. Another may resort to this pastime to avoid problems at home. Either way, the negative impacts are clear.

Enough is Never Enough

Anyone who claims to offer the ultimate guide to recognize gambling addiction will inevitably mention problems with cutting back. This is just as true when referring to other potentially destructive habits, such as drinking to excess. Furthermore, we can often make excuses as a means to cope. Some of these include:

• “I can stop whenever I want”
• “I just need one more victory”
• “There is not a problem. I am not like the others”

Similar to an alcoholic who begins to experience withdrawals, those who become addicted to gambling will find it extremely difficult to make the necessary lifestyle changes; even if they know that a problem exists.

Behind Closed Doors

Do you feel guilt or shame when discussing your gambling habits with others? If this was a purely healthy habit, there should be no reason to experience such sensations. This is yet another telltale sign that a problem may be present. Those who hide their habits are highly likely to have developed an issue; especially if this problem will be met with disapproval by others. Instead, they choose to internalize this lifestyle; potentially leading to a significant amount of guilt and embarrassment.

A Need as Opposed to a Want

A final signal that an individual may have developed an issue involves feelings of satisfaction. Humans tend to gravitate toward activities that are enjoyable. This is normally the case when wagering. Unfortunately, there can also be times when the fun seems to vanish. Instead, the individual feels a very real compulsion; almost as if abstaining would cause him or her physical harm. Similar to an alcoholic who continues to pick up the bottle even when knowing the health risks, problem gamblers feel as if they no longer have a choice.

When Might Intervention be Necessary?

To be clear, only between 1 and 2 per cent of the total global population are considered to have a problem with gambling. Similarly, some are more addicted than others. This is why a more flexible approach is needed. One example involves the self-exclusion policies that many online casinos have now put into place. The issue here is that some may not even be aware that a problem exists. This is when the power of online checklists becomes apparent. These inventories can be used to appreciate the current state of play, and they may even be downloaded to be used as future references.

Either way, the takeaway point here is simple. Gambling can be a great deal of fun when not taken to an extreme. Others will instead find it difficult to maintain the level s of self-control needed to maintain an objective perspective. The good news is that plenty of help exists if you suspect that a problem may be present. However, taking the first step can always be difficult. You will nonetheless be happy to that you did from a long-term perspective.