How to tell if you have a gambling problem?

Most gambling addicts struggle with a set of symptoms that are fairly common and easily recognizable for a subjective onlooker.

If you do not find it difficult to take a subjective look at yourself and at your habits, you’ll probably pick up on the tells yourself.

If you feel irritable and/or restless when you have to spend a longer period of time away from the tables or your computer, it means a part of you is already craving the action. Remember, most problem gamblers are not ‘in it’ for the money, but much rather for the thrills.

If you attempted to limit the time you spent gambling in the past but failed, that’s another tell that should ring an alarm bell.  

If you find yourself in the situation that you borrow money to fuel your gambling, or that you even contemplate acquiring funds through illegal means, that probably means you’re in too deep already.

Feeling like you‘ve just had your fill of sinful pleasure after a prolonged session of gambling is bad news too. If you realize you’re cutting back on the quality time you spend with your family to gamble, or that your work output suffers because of it, again, you may be on to something.

If you try to conceal the fact that you gamble, and feel ashamed when caught in the act, you are again close to that fine line.

Thinking and obsessing about gambling all the time is another easily identifiable symptom.

If you exhibit more than one of the above named symptoms, you’re probably neck deep in trouble already and you should seek counseling by all means.