Many people do not know that over fifteen million people in the United States alone suffer from a gambling problem. Of these fifteen million nearly three million are considered to have a serious problem like gambling addiction. Many families feel that they are the only ones suffering with a loved one who has a problem and cannot control their gambling, however, there are millions like them. Understanding addiction and looking for the signs is key if you are wondering if a person you love needs to enter a treatment program for gambling.
First, you need to understand that a person who is addictive cannot stop their behavior. They crave the suspense of not knowing if they are going to win a hand, and the high of holding money in their hand. Here are some signs that will help you determine if someone you love has reached this point:
Has the person you love become secretive about their gambling? Do you know that they are lying about where they are going so that they can gamble. Are they lying about how much they gamble. Are they always trying to convince you that they are one big win away from happiness.
Does the person that you love leave and not come back for long periods of time. The reason they disappear is usually because they are gambling and cannot pull themselves away. Some people who gamble on the computer will not leave their computer for hours and hours even when something important is happening somewhere else. Is the person you love unable to walk away from until they have lost all their money? This is a sure sign that they have a problem.
Does your loved one gamble even without money to spend? Do they spend their rent check gambling? Are they gambling on credit that must be paid back?
