Gambling is a progressive issue and can have a devastating impact on finances, emotional and physical health. Addiction to gambling is harmful both to psychological and physical health. People who live with this addiction may experience depression, migraine, distress, intestinal disorders, and other anxiety-related problems. As with many addictions, it develops slowly and if you or your close ones start to feel negative consequences of gambling, question might arise: ‘am I addicted to gambling’.
TEST: Am I Addicted to Gambling
- I have tried to cut down, control or stop my gambling compulsion but with little success.
- I have lied to my friends, family and colleagues about the extent of my gambling, my losses and wins.
- I feel guilty about the way I gamble and about what happens to me when I am gambling.
- I spend a lot of time thinking about gambling or planning my next gamble.
- I have gambled and do gamble to help me cope or to temporarily escape my problems or worries.
- When I lose at gambling I have a compulsive drive to keep going to try to get even.
- Gambling is an obsession. I can lose feelings of control or sense of time when I am in the midst of gambling.
- My gambling has put a strain on my financial situation.
- My gambling has caused problems in my relationships.
- My gambling has or could negatively affect my reputation.
- Gambling has caused or continues to cause me considerable stress or worry.
- Gambling consumes a lot of my mental energy and time.
Identifying with more than two of these statements indicate a cause for concern with gambling. Seeking help at the earliest opportunity could help reduce the risk of experiencing the critical effects gambling addiction can cause to both individuals, friends, family, colleagues and loved ones of the gambling addict.
RósGlas Recovery specialises in offering bespoke gambling addiction therapy, provided in comfort and luxury in the heart of Ireland. For more information about our therapy retreats, please view: www.rosglasrecovery.com
