Loved Ones Impacted by Problem Gambling

A gambling addiction extends beyond the gambler. Family members and friends are often severely impacted by the gambler’s behaviors and activities.

Statistics show that an average of 5-10 people are also negatively affected by a compulsive gambler. Family members, friends, co-workers and others can experience financial and emotional repercussions due to this addiction.

Because of the non-physical symptoms of a gambling addiction, even the ones closest to the gambler often do not recognize that there is a problem until the gambler has crossed into a desperate or hopeless phase. Hence, compulsive gambling is known as the “hidden addiction”. There are signs that loved ones can look for.

To determine whether you have a compulsive gambler in your life, here are a few things to look for:

❒     Isolation
❒     Unaccounted blocks of time
❒     Mood swings
❒     Neglecting personal needs or responsibilities
❒     Claiming a sudden need for money or loans
❒     Secretive or lying about money and/or gambling
❒     Spending more time gambling than any other activity
❒     Boasting about winning, often minimizing or denying losses and exaggerating wins
❒     Missing work or school due to gambling
❒     Arguing with spouse, partner, other family members, or friends due to gambling
❒     Experiencing behavioral or personality changes when watching or listening to sports
❒     Having difficulty sleeping or eating

To see if a loved one would benefit from our resources, please take our Loved Ones Assessment Quiz below or contact the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine today.