Pathologic Gambling: Are You A Victim?
For most gamblers, gambling is a fun and harmless way to pass the time. For some, it is an addiction that destroys their lives and the lives of the people around them. Pathologic gamblers are different from social ones in that they behave differently when they are gambling and even more when they are not gambling. Here's help to look out for signs of pathologic gambling - in yourself or others.
One of the first signs of pathologic gambling is a preoccupation with gambling. While social gamblers enjoy dabbling in it during their free time, pathologic gamblers live with it. They constantly relive memories of past gambling success or experiences or spend a greater part of the day plotting their next scheme. They also waste time thinking of sources of money with which they can gamble some more.
The need to gamble increasingly is also a telltale sign of an addiction. These gamblers feel the need to bet more frequently and to bet more money to feel more energized. They are no longer satisfied with smaller bets or less frequent gambling.
Most pathologic gamblers feel there is something wrong with their gambling and try to curb it unsuccessfully. They attempt to stop or control it and they do - for a few days or hours. Then they begin to feel incomplete and get right back to gambling. These unsuccessful attempts are illuminating signs.
Another warning sign is moodiness and irritability when attempting to control or stop gambling. They begin to feel like it is the only thing that will make them happy or less anxious. Most unsuccessful attempts to quit are because of these feelings when they aren't gambling.
Pathologic gamblers, after losing money, always feel the need to get even and return continually to redeem their losses. It doesn't matter if they lose five days in a row. They keep going back hoping that the next day will be "their day".
Addiction thrives in secrecy and gambling addicts are no different. Lying about the magnitude of their gambling is common behavior. They tell their families and friends that it is just a pastime and a little bit of fun even when they are neck-deep in debt. They then begin to rely on other people to bail them out of their desolate financial situation.
A pathologic gambler's personal, social and community life is usually a wreck. They have a hard time maintaining relationships with their significant others. They also have difficulty holding down jobs. They begin to alienate themselves from their community as well and immerse themselves even deeper into their problem.
Gambling is a fun way to pass the time for most people. But for others, it destroys lives. If you notice progressive behavior changes like lying, moodiness and obsession related to gambling, it could mean an addiction. The earlier these signs are detected, the more hope for appropriate intervention.