Signs of gambling addiction
Gambling addiction (ludomania) is not just a passion for games, but a recognized mental disorder in which a person loses control over his gaming actions. The sooner the warning signs are recognized, the higher the chance of preventing serious consequences. Listed below are key symptoms that suggest problematic or pathological gambling.
1. Obsessive desire to play
Constant thoughts about the game: planning future bets, memories of game sessions, dreams of a "big win."
The game becomes a dominant activity, displacing other interests, hobbies and responsibilities.
2. Loss of control
The player cannot stop, even if he planned to play "only once" in advance.
Attempts to reduce the time or amount of bets end in breakdowns.
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop the game.
3. Rise in betting and in-game time
Tolerance arises - to get the same emotions, you need to play more often and for large sums.
Longer gaming sessions.
Neglect of sleep, work, family for the sake of continuing the game.
4. Game in pursuit of losses (pursuit of losses)
The player tries to recoup after losing, puts more and more, hoping to "get his own back."
Each loss is followed by a new session, often without rest or situation analysis.
5. Ignoring the consequences
A person continues to play, despite financial problems, family conflicts, deteriorating health.
Denial of addiction: "I can quit at any moment," "I'm just unlucky."
6. Financial problems
Using credit cards, loans, microloans or borrowed funds to play.
Frequent debts, unpaid bills, financial instability.
Sale of property, pawn pledges, hiding income from the family.
7. Lies and cover-ups
Hiding the fact of the game from family and friends.
Lying about time spent, losses or sources of income.
Alienation from family and friends, a desire to spend time alone.
8. Behavioural and mood changes
Aggression, irritability, depression during periods without playing.
Emotional outbursts during or after the game.
Lack of interest in life outside casinos or slots.
9. Physical and psychosomatic symptoms
Sleep disorders, anxiety, apathy.
Loss of appetite, chronic fatigue.
Alcohol or drugs as a way to deal with losses or stress.
10. Need for help, but fear of accepting it
Feelings of guilt, shame and hopelessness.
The desire to quit, but the inability to do it yourself.
Lack of support or fear of condemnation from loved ones.
When to ask for help
If you or a loved one has 2 or more signs from the list above, this is a serious reason to be wary. Even at an early stage, addiction can be corrected, especially with the participation of professionals and family support. Australian services such as Gambling Help Online, National Gambling Helplines and Gamblers Anonymous offer free and anonymous help.
Conclusion
Gambling addiction is not a weakness, but a disease that can be treated. Ignoring symptoms leads to poor quality of life, loss of money, work, family and health. Regular self-esteem, being honest with yourself and being willing to accept help is key to recovery. It is important to remember: the path to control the game begins with awareness of the problem.
1. Obsessive desire to play
Constant thoughts about the game: planning future bets, memories of game sessions, dreams of a "big win."
The game becomes a dominant activity, displacing other interests, hobbies and responsibilities.
2. Loss of control
The player cannot stop, even if he planned to play "only once" in advance.
Attempts to reduce the time or amount of bets end in breakdowns.
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop the game.
3. Rise in betting and in-game time
Tolerance arises - to get the same emotions, you need to play more often and for large sums.
Longer gaming sessions.
Neglect of sleep, work, family for the sake of continuing the game.
4. Game in pursuit of losses (pursuit of losses)
The player tries to recoup after losing, puts more and more, hoping to "get his own back."
Each loss is followed by a new session, often without rest or situation analysis.
5. Ignoring the consequences
A person continues to play, despite financial problems, family conflicts, deteriorating health.
Denial of addiction: "I can quit at any moment," "I'm just unlucky."
6. Financial problems
Using credit cards, loans, microloans or borrowed funds to play.
Frequent debts, unpaid bills, financial instability.
Sale of property, pawn pledges, hiding income from the family.
7. Lies and cover-ups
Hiding the fact of the game from family and friends.
Lying about time spent, losses or sources of income.
Alienation from family and friends, a desire to spend time alone.
8. Behavioural and mood changes
Aggression, irritability, depression during periods without playing.
Emotional outbursts during or after the game.
Lack of interest in life outside casinos or slots.
9. Physical and psychosomatic symptoms
Sleep disorders, anxiety, apathy.
Loss of appetite, chronic fatigue.
Alcohol or drugs as a way to deal with losses or stress.
10. Need for help, but fear of accepting it
Feelings of guilt, shame and hopelessness.
The desire to quit, but the inability to do it yourself.
Lack of support or fear of condemnation from loved ones.
When to ask for help
If you or a loved one has 2 or more signs from the list above, this is a serious reason to be wary. Even at an early stage, addiction can be corrected, especially with the participation of professionals and family support. Australian services such as Gambling Help Online, National Gambling Helplines and Gamblers Anonymous offer free and anonymous help.
Conclusion
Gambling addiction is not a weakness, but a disease that can be treated. Ignoring symptoms leads to poor quality of life, loss of money, work, family and health. Regular self-esteem, being honest with yourself and being willing to accept help is key to recovery. It is important to remember: the path to control the game begins with awareness of the problem.
