Gambling can be a fun pastime for some and an interesting career choice for others. But even professional gamblers know that becoming addicted to gambling is a serious problem. The downward spiral of gambling addiction includes loss of job, the potential loss of your family, loss of your home and then possibly turning to a life of crime to support your gambling habit. Friends and family members of a suspected gambling addict should look for the warning signs of addiction, and seek help immediately.
1) Interests
One by one you will notice that a gambling addict starts to lose interest in hobbies and other activities that he used to enjoy. The pleasure of collecting stamps is replaced by putting another $20 bill in a slot machine or spending another evening in the bingo parlor.
2) Finances
The gambling addict will deny he has a financial issue until the day that he loses his home to foreclosure. Even then, reality may not start to sink in. Early signs of financial trouble include unanswered phone calls (addicts avoid the phone because it is usually bill collectors calling), services getting shut off in the home and never having money for gas or food.
3) Priorities
Gambling addicts will go deep into denial and start to display signs of some very strange priorities. Spending time with the family is replaced by going to the casino, or attending children’s school functions will get replaced by time spent at the craps tables.
Do not ignore the signs of gambling addiction. Believe that it can affect your family and become sensitive to the indications that someone you know may need help.
