COMPULSIVE GAMBLING SYMPTOMS
Both Action and Escape gamblers will
exhibit many
of the following symptoms:
(Symptoms that are more characteristic of Action gamblers are designated with A, Escape Gamblers with E.)\
- Is preoccupied with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble).
- Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement or escape.
- Gambles longer than planned.
- Has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
- Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
- Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression or to escape physical pain.
- Often returns to get even ("chasing" one’s losses) after losing money gambling.
- Lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling- may include lying by omission.
- Relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling.
- Borrows from friends and family and often lies about the true cause of the financial crisis.
- Refinances mortgages or loans; cashes in life insurance, CDs, 401K.
- Commits illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling.
- Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.
- Has considered or attempted suicide as a result of gambling.
- Increases amount of time spent gambling.
- Feels shame, guilt and remorse after gambling.
- Becomes manipulative and controlling.
- Makes excuses about whereabouts. Poorly explained absences from home & work.
- Loses interest in regular activities, hobbies.
- Gambles when there is a crisis.
- Gambles to celebrate good fortune.
- Withdraws from family and friends.
- Changes in personality: Angry; Irritable; Critical; Sarcastic; Depressed; Argumentative
- Denies gambling is a problem and will not discuss it even when confronted.
- Gambles on holidays and special occasions.
- Uses gambling to cope when life seems overwhelming.
- Brags and lies about winnings and evasive about losses
- Lying becomes a way of life.
- A. Exaggerates about and displays money and possessions.
- A. Uses phone excessively
- A. Increases types of gambling.
- E. Gambles alone
- E. Selects favorite machine (slot or video poker, kino)
- E. Loses a sense of the value of money as currency and sees it only as a way to play longer.
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