07971 089 084If you are like most people who gamble excessively, you may have tried to cut down or stop many times. Problem gambling is not just about the loss of money, but how it can affect a person’s whole life.
Feeling a constant urge to gamble even when you are already in a difficult financial situation, or gambling as a way out of financial difficulty are both common symptoms of a gambling addiction.
There is often an underlying issue which causes someone to start gambling such as problems at work, unresolved issues within a relationship, drug addiction etc. Gambling addiction only increases these problems and the cost of funding this habit can become a huge burden as well as an emotional pressure.
- Do you bet more than you can afford to lose?
- Do you need to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling?
- Have you tried to win back money you have lost (chasing losses)?
- Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
- Have you wondered whether you have a problem with gambling?
- Has your gambling caused you any health problems, including feelings of stress or anxiety?
- Have other people criticised your betting or told you that you have a gambling problem?
- Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
- Have you ever felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?
Score 0 for each time you answer “never”
Score 1 for each time you answer “sometimes”
Score 2 for each time you answer “most of the time”
Score 3 for each time you answer “almost always”
If your total score is 8 or higher, you may be a problem gambler.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Like all addictions, it is hard to change your gambling problem on your own. Counselling can help you find long-term solutions to your problems by talking to our experienced therapists they will help you to understand the issues and find ways of overcoming them.
