Gambling
Signs and Symptoms
There is no typical gambler profile. There are, however a number of signs and symptoms which, when taken together, may indicate to friends and family that a problem might exist.
- Lengthy and unexpected times away from work and home.
- Neglecting family and other responsibilities.
- Preoccupied with studying form, listening to races or watching broadcasts.
- Treating gambling as a way to ‘make money’.
- Frequenting amusement arcades, betting shops and casinos.
- Excessive time spend on the internet gaming sites.
- Always short of cash, lying, borrowing or stealing to get money.
- Money or items disappearing from home.
- Mood swings, withdrawn, preoccupied, depressed, irritable, or restless.
- Denial when challenged that gambling is a problem.
Problem gambling is difficult for some people to understand. Pathological gamblers do not have the choice, they are addicted, it is as powerful as drug addiction. All attention is on gambling, nothing else is important.