- How To Determine If You Have A Gambling Problem Even
- How To Determine If You Have A Gambling Problem Resulting
If you recognize symptoms of gambling addiction in yourself, take this gambling self-assessment to learn how to tell if you have a gambling problem. This quiz is a self-guided assessment that has been created from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is the standard criteria for diagnosing mental health and substance. If you start missing work, or social events because of your gambling obsession, it is safe to say you are in a hole. One common thread in every story of betting addiction is the breakdown of human relationships. Tony drifted apart from his wife; Jason did the same with every woman he crossed paths with romantically. Answer the quiz questions below to see if you or a loved one may be addicted to gambling. Instructions: Below is a list of questions that relate to life experiences common among people with a gambling addiction. Please read each question carefully, and indicate how often you have experienced the same or similar challenges in the past few months.
Are you concerned that someone you know has a gambling problem, but not sure what type of things to look for? Knowing the warning signs can help you decide what action to take.
It is common to notice changes in the person's finances, mood and behaviour or how they spend their time.
Financial signs
Some common financial warning signs that someone may have a problem with gambling include:
- Money missing from bank accounts, wallet/purse or money jar
- Household items and valuables missing
- Regularly short of money even though they earn a wage
- Borrowing money on a regular basis
- Having many loans at the one time
- Being secretive about financial records or payslips
- Unpaid bills/disconnection notices
- Lack of food in the house.
Mood and behavioural signs
When someone develops a gambling problem, there are often noticeable changes to their mood and behaviour, including:
- Becoming withdrawn from others/family events
- Performance at work is being affected
- Seeming worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason
- Reporting feeling hopeless, depressed, frustrated or suicidal
- Changes in personality - sleeping, eating, or sexual relationship patterns
- Controlling and/or manipulative behaviour
- Using threats, lies or charm to manipulate others.
Time related signs
Some common time-related signs that could indicate someone has a problem with gambling include:
How To Determine If You Have A Gambling Problem Even
- Spending more and more time gambling
- Being secretive about unexplained absences
- Often being late for commitments
- Taking a lot of sick days or days off
- Taking an unusual amount of time for simple tasks (e.g. taking two hours to get the paper from the shops).
Remember gambling behaviour is often hidden
It can be difficult to know if someone has a problem with gambling. Initially we may not want to believe that someone we know or love has a problem with gambling.
It can also be difficult to detect a gambling problem, because many people who gamble do not show their feelings and may lie or get angry if questioned about their behaviour.
How To Determine If You Have A Gambling Problem Resulting
People sometimes say they feel that they should have noticed sooner, but remember the person gambling may have gone to great lengths to hide it from you.
Once you have noticed there are many ways we can help you and the person gambling – why not start chatting to one of our Counsellors today, it’s free, confidential and available 24/7: