How To Tell If Someone Is Gambling Online

Online addictions can take many forms. Whether it's giving hours to social media or gambling online - there's a line between addiction and responsible use. Learn more about how Freedom can help break even the worst online habits by temporarily blocking websites, mobile, and desktop apps, or the whole internet. Open up Google and type in everything you know about the person in keyword format; for example, 'sarah los angeles writer tech.' Even if you only know their first name, keywords related to their.

Gambling addiction isn't diffcult to determine. Here are the symptoms and signs of addiction to gambling.

What are the Signs of Gambling Addiction?

The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists the following criteria for pathological gambling: preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, escape, chasing, lying, loss of control, illegal acts, risk of significant relationship, and bailout.

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Preoccupation

One sure sign of gambling addiction is preoccupation. Preoccupation occurs when the gambler constantly thinks about gambling. He or she may frequently recall past gambling experiences. The gambler's life is now centered on gambling and how to acquire money with which to gamble. A preoccupied gambler may duck out of certain obligations and spend money designated for other purposes just to fulfill the gratification gained by gambling.

Tolerance

In the same way that a drug abuser can become tolerant of the substance that he or she is taking, one of the keys signs of a gambling addiction is the gambler becoming tolerant of gambling. The gambler becomes tolerant when he or she needs more and more money to achieve the desired sensation, just as a cocaine addict may need more and more cocaine.

Withdrawal: Another Sign of Gambling Addiction

Halting gambling may lead to withdrawal. This withdrawal may not come in a form as physical as the body's withdrawal from a substance, but a gambler suffering from withdrawal may experience agitation and irritability when he or she tries to gamble less or quit gambling altogether.

Escape

Pathological gamblers may also use gambling to escape from the world. They may be attempting to run away from their problems or to combat negative feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression.

Chasing

The gambling addict may also become a chaser of losses. In other words, when the gambler loses money, he or she returns the next day to try to gain it back or get even with the house.

Lying

You may have seen this sign of gambling addiction. Gambling addiction can lead to lying to both family members and friends about how the gambler is getting the money to gamble and the amount of time he or she is spending gambling.

Loss of Control

If you or a loved one has tried over and over again to stop gambling, this may be a sign that you have lost control to your gambling addiction and need to seek help. (more information about gambling addiction help)

Illegal Acts

Many compulsive gamblers become so in need of funds for their addiction that they resort to stealing—through larceny, fraud, or embezzlement—in order to continue their habits.

Risk of Significant Relationships

Another of the gambling addiction symptoms is how the gambler's relationships are affected, including jobs, personal relationships, educational opportunities, and so forth.

Final Gambling Addiction Sign: Bailout

A final symptom of gambling addiction is relying on others for monetary support for financial problems created by gambling.

Sources:

• DSM IV - American Psychiatric Association
• GamblingResearch.org

next: Do You Have A Gambling Problem?
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APA Reference
Gluck, S. (2009, December 22). Signs of Gambling Addiction, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, December 16 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/signs-gambling-addiction

Following these tips can help you to stay safe if you choose to gamble.

1. Don't think of gambling as a way to make money
The venue is using gambling to make money. It's not designed to work the other way around. Over time you will give away more money than you receive! Think of gambling as an entertainment expense – just like buying a movie ticket.

2. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
Gamble within your weekly entertainment budget, not with your phone bill or rent budget.

3. Set a money limit in advance
Decide how much you can afford to lose before you go to play. When it's gone – it's over! If you win, you've been lucky, but don't be disappointed if your luck doesn't continue.

4. Set a time limit in advance
It's easy to lose track of time when you're gambling. Set a time limit or alarm, and when time's up – quit! Odds are that the more time you spend gambling, the more money you will lose.

5. Never chase your losses
If you lose your set money limit and then try to win some of it back before you leave, then you haven't really set a money limit. Chasing your losses will usually just lead to bigger and bigger losses.

6. Don't gamble when you're depressed or upset
Decision-making can be more difficult when you're stressed or emotionally upset. Make sure you only gamble when you're feeling happy and clear headed.

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7. Balance gambling with other activities
When gambling becomes your only form of entertainment, it's unlikely that you're still just gambling for the fun of it, and your gambling may even be a problem. Make sure gambling isn't your only pastime.

8. Don't take your bank card with you
This is a good way to safeguard your money limit and not let being 'in the moment' warp your judgment.

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9. Take frequent breaks
Gambling continuously can cause you to lose track of time and perspective. Step out for some air or a bite to eat at regular intervals.

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10. Don't drink or use drugs when gambling
Drugs and alcohol cloud judgment, and good judgment stands as your main line of defence against letting gambling get out of control.