Warning Sings
The following are warning signs that your or someone you know may have a gambling problem – the more signs, the greater the chance of a problem. Answer the following questions “yes” or “no”. Do you:
- Constantly think about gambling?
- Need to gamble with increasingly larger amounts of money and for longer periods to get the same kind of rush or excitement?
- Spend more time and money than you can afford gambling?
- Chase losses (i.e. gamble more to win back losses or get out of financial trouble)?
- Borrow money, sell things, commit or are tempted to commit criminal acts to get money for gambling?
- Have increased debt, unpaid bills or other financial troubles because of gambling?
- Often gamble until all your money is gone?
- Find it difficult to control your gambling or feel irritable while trying to stop, cut down or control gambling?
- Feel guilty about your gambling or what happens when you gamble?
- Get criticized for your gambling or told that you have a gambling problem?
- Gamble to escape personal problems or to relieve feelings of anxiety, guilt or depression?
- Lie to your family, friends or others about the amount of time and money you spend gambling?
- Neglect personal, family or work responsibilities because of gambling?
- Prefer gambling to attending special family occasions?
- Have arguments at home about money and gambling?
- Refuse to discuss your gambling behaviour or lie to cover it up?
- Experience mood changes including feeling irritable, depressed and withdrawn over losses or extreme highs if winning?
- Home life has changed; partner is threatening to leave if the gambling doesn’t stop.
