Many people can enjoy going to the casino or gambling without any problem. However, there are those who, overtime, may develop a gambling problem. Some develop a gambling habit that eventually turns into a gambling addiction that can ruin lives.
It’s important to understand that gambling addiction, just like drug or alcohol addiction, is a compulsive disease. It’s a progressive illness, so that a person can start gambling one day and keep on doing it without any issue for a time, but that day will happen when they won’t be able to stop anymore. And the stakes just keep getting higher.
Understanding a Gambling Problem
A gambling problem occurs when it becomes a compulsions. When you have trouble stopping. When you end up playing and betting more than you initially planned to. It may not be long before this compulsion turns into an addiction. And the length of time this takes can vary from person to person. Some people tend to develop gambling addiction more rapidly than others. This is especially true for those who engage in continuous betting, such as online casinos, slot machines, and here in the Philippines, the so-called e-Sabong which is the online equivalent of cockfight betting.
How to Recognize Compulsive Gambling
Find out if a person has a gambling problem by recognizing these signs:
- Spending more money on gambling than one can afford, or more than one has initially set out to do
- Relationship problems caused by or related to gambling activities
- Being secretive and/or defensive about gambling activities
- Gambling activities getting in the way of work or other responsibilities
- Inability to cut back or stop gambling
- Spending more time gambling than before
- Downplaying gambling activities to friends and family
- Stealing or committing fraud to support gambling habit
- Asking for loans or selling belongings to cover gambling debts
- Being in denial about the problems that arise from gambling habits
- Getting depressed over gambling losses
Getting Help for Someone with a Gambling Problem
It can be challenging to talk to someone with a gambling problem. This is, first and foremost, a sensitive and loaded conversation. It’s best to approach this with care and proper preparation. It’s also important to understand that you may not get the answer or the resolution that you want out of this conversation, but once you approach this conversation in a non-confrontational way, you may find some useful information and at least shed some light into the problem.
Remember also to be honest and straightforward. Come from a place of love and concern. Let them know that you are worried and that you are supportive in a way that you want to help them find the help the that they need. And that you will not enable them. Remember that some people may be relieved to have someone to talk to about their struggles. There will also be other people who may become defensive, even aggressive when this subject is broached.
If your loved one is lying about the problem or are in denial, just let them know that you care and give them information about where they can get help should they need to. Bridges of Hope provides private, in-center or residential rehabilitation treatment so that they can focus on their recovery inside a safe and secure facility around medical and recovery professionals and among peers who have been through what they’ve gone through.
What to Remember About Gambling Addiction
The sooner one gets help for problem gambling, the sooner they can get intervention and the progression of the illness will hopefully be stopped. Bridges of Hope, with our 9 treatment centers across the country, provides easy access to reliable, safe, private, and professional in-patient addiction treatment for gambling and all types of addictions in the Philippines. Talk to our Recovery Professionals today to learn more: 09175098826.
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