Do you think you might have a problem with gambling whether it is sports betting or financial trading? Gamblers Anonymous (GA) has drafted 20 questions to decide if you are a compulsive gambler. GA believes that if you answer yes to 7 or more of the following questions then you have a problem.
1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry, trouble, boredom or loneliness?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?
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Those with a gambling problem will inevitably suffer in silence as unlike the drug addict or alcoholic there are no obvious outward signs of illness (that is apart from signs of stress and evidence of poor personal care). Compulsive gamblers will also display great resistance to any interventions and will inevitably be in denial about their condition. There are always excuses as to to why they are in personal debt. Debts are often explained away as having to cover the costs of unfortunate events. Debts are never explained as being the results of gambling. They will owe money to everyone in their life. They will always be looking for a loan and it will always be for the last time. But it never is the last time. A personal rock-bottom is required before the compulsive gambler acknowledges their problem, comes out of denial and becomes willing to accept help and enter recovery. Until then they will bleed partners, friends and family dry of funds as their habit spirals out of control.
Resources
Guide for problem gamblers and their family members to the signs of gambling addiction, dealing with gambling cravings, and finding help and treatment.
Gamcare is funded by the gambling industry and provides support, information and advice to anyone suffering through a gambling problem.
NHS: Gambling addiction, its effects and treatment options, with links to support groups.
BBC Health – Gambling addiction
Find a hypnotherapist that deals with gambling addiction
See also the benefits of meditation