This blog was written by: Patti Waits, M.Ed., LPC, LICDC (ADAMH Program Coordinator)
Gambling addiction is sometimes referred to as a "hidden illness" because there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms like there are in drug or alcohol addiction. Like other addictions, Gambling addiction can happen to anyone. One day you are having fun, playing, innocently participating in betting on sports, buying scratch offs, playing poker, hitting the casino to play the slots, or indulging yourself with online gaming. The next thing you know, you have an unhealthy preoccupation with serious consequences. If your gambling becomes a problem, it can strain your relationships, interfere with work, and lead to financial disaster. You may even do things you never imagined that you would, like stealing money to gamble or pay debts.
Gambling addiction—also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling or gambling disorder—is an impulse-control disorder. You’ll gamble whether you’re up or down, broke or flush, happy or depressed, and you’ll keep gambling regardless of the consequences—even when you know that the odds are against you or you can’t afford to lose.
Here are some Myths and some Facts about Gambling Problems:
For help with a Gambling Problem call The Recovery Center at 740-687-4500.
Gambling addiction—also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling or gambling disorder—is an impulse-control disorder. You’ll gamble whether you’re up or down, broke or flush, happy or depressed, and you’ll keep gambling regardless of the consequences—even when you know that the odds are against you or you can’t afford to lose.
Here are some Myths and some Facts about Gambling Problems:
- Myth: I have to gamble every day to have a gambling problem
- Fact: A problem gambler may gamble often or less frequently- if Gambling causes you problems- it is a problem
- Myth: If I can afford to gamble, it can’t be a problem for me.
- Fact: Problems caused by excessive gambling are not just financial. Too much time spent on gambling can lead to relationship and legal problems, job loss, mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, and even suicide.
- Myth: My partner ,wife, husband, parent, is the reason that I gamble- they cause me to.
- Fact: You are rationalizing your behavior. Blaming others is one way to avoid taking responsibility for your actions. Including what you need to do to overcome the problem.
- Myth: My partner, wife, husband, parent should help me get out of debt and then I can quit.
- Fact: Quick solutions may appear to be the loving thing to do, but if your loved one bails you out it will only allow you to keep going.
For help with a Gambling Problem call The Recovery Center at 740-687-4500.
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