COMPULSIVE GAMBLING SYMPTOMS
Both Action and Escape gamblers will exhibit many
of the following symptoms (Symptoms
more characteristic of Action Gamblers are designated with an A,
Escape Gamblers with an E)
- 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.
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut
back, or stop gambling.
- Restless or irritable when attempting to cut
down or stop gambling.
- Gambles as a way to escape from problems, relieve
feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression, or to
escape physical pain.
- Often returns to get even after losing money
gambling ("chasing" one’s losses).
- Lies to family members, therapist or others to
conceal the extent of his/her involvement with gambling (may include
lying by omission).
- Relies on others to provide money ("bailouts")
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, 401Ks.
- Commits illegal acts such as forgery, fraud,
theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling.
- Jeopardizes or loses a significant relationship,
job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.
- Considers or attempts suicide as a result of
gambling.
- Increases the amount of time spent gambling.
- Feels shame, guilt and remorse after gambling.
- Becomes manipulative and controlling.
- Makes excuses about whereabouts and has 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.
- Exhibits 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 is evasive
about losses.
- Lying becomes a way of life.
- Exaggerates about/flaunts money and possessions
- A
- Uses telephone excessively - A
- Increases types of gambling - A
- Gambles alone - E
- Selects favorite machine (slot or video poker,
kino) - E
- Loses sense of the value of money as currency;
sees it only as a way to play longer - E
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