A gaming addiction, or compulsive gambling, is an impulse-control disorder, meaning that gamblers can’t control the impulse to gamble. They feel compelled to do it. I’ve heard gamblers tell me that the car drove them to the casino. This sounds crazy, but how they feel is that they are not in control of their actions. They know that they are hurting themselves, and their loved ones, but all that matters is the game!
Gamblers know that they are in debt, and they should pay their bills first, but they feel that this time, they’ll make back what they’ve lost and all will be OK – they know that the odds are stacked against them, and they can’t afford to lose, but their thoughts are obsessive.
Gamblers are aware of what they're doing, and it pains them very much. But a gaming addiction is an addiction.
They try to control their actions, but they just can't stop.
A compulsive gambler is out of control and has a gambling addiction, but a problem gambler, still has a problem but is not totally out of control. Their behavior disrupts their lives.
Problem gambling is any behavior that revolves around gambling. So if you’re preoccupied with gambling and are spending more time and money on it ~ if you’re chasing your loses, although you’re not totally our of control, you too have a gambling problem and you should get help before it gets totally out of control.
Compulsive gamblers are very manipulative and go to great lengths to hide their addiction. They will lie, withdraw and never disclose what they’ve been up to. They are very defensive about their behavior. Gamblers deny, defend and minimize their problem and that’s why gambling is known as the “hidden disease”. Unlike and alcoholic or addict, a gambler can hide the problem for a long period of time ~ and only disclose it when they’re absolutely desperate.
Denial
Gamblers will lie, be secretive, judgmental and blame anyone but themselves. They minimize their losses and always over estimate the ‘win’.
Recently a client told me "But Bev, I have to tell you. I made more money than I lost." To which I replied, "Well if that was the case, then how come you're broke?" We both smiled. Gamblers have 'twisted thinking'.
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Gamblers are secretive about finances, their expenses and anything to do with their money. Savings and assets may disappear and there may be cash advances or loans that haven’t been disclosed. If you notice credit card debt increases, 'borrowing' from friends and family members, disappearance of jewelry and other salable items, this can alert you that this may be a gambling addiction and teens have gambling problems too.
Lottery tickets, sports betting ~ all can seem like innocent games, but once it becomes an addiction, the game is not fun any more.
These 20 questions are from the gambling test developed by Gamblers Anonymous. I think it's one of the best self-tests to find out if you have a problem.
1.Did you ever lose time from work or school due to playing?
Yes or No.
2. Has playing ever made your home life unhappy?
Yes or No.
3. Have you ever felt remorse after playing?
Yes or No
4. Did you ever play to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial problems?
Yes or No
5. Did playing effect your reputation?
Yes or No
6. Did gaming cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
Yes or No
7. After losing, did you feel you must return as soon as possible to win back your losses?
Yes or No
8. After a win, did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
Yes or No
9. Did you often play until your last dollar was gone?
Yes or No
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your game?
Yes or No
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance the game?
Yes or No
12. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
Yes or No
13. Were you reluctant to use “playing money” for normal expenditures?
Yes or No
14. Did you ever play longer than you planned?
Yes or No
15. Have you ever played to escape worry or trouble?
Yes or No
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing an illegal act to finance playing?
Yes or No
17. Did playing cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
Yes or No
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create and urge to play?
Yes or No
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of playing?
Yes or No
20. Have you ever considered harming yourself or suicide as a result of playing?
Yes or No
Most compulsive-gamblers will answer ‘YES’ to at least 7 of these questions.
If this gambling test demonstrates that you have a problem, there are many ways to get help. You can contact Gamblers Anonymous in your area and find out where the meetings are and drop in.
You can also get counseling
RECOVERY COACHING for a gaming addiction focuses on changing behaviors by changing the thoughts, emotions and distorted beliefs that encompasses the addiction.
You learn to combat urges, and deal with the
feelings and issues that you’re avoiding, solve the financial, employment and
relationship problems that were caused by the gambling addiction, internet addiction as well as video games
The goal is to “rewire” your thinking, so you can create a new and positive life.
For a free 1/2 hr on-line coaching strategy session, let's talk
Think we should talk? 514-400-9375
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