Assessment

ASK  YOURSELF:   Do I Have A Gambling Problem?

Symptoms & Signs

What are the Symptoms or Signs?

The following are some signs that a person may have a gambling problem:

  • Gambling for longer periods of time-spending long or increasing amounts of time at gambling venues
  • Pre-occupation with gambling-constantly thinking about and preparing for gambling
  • “Chasing losses”-gambling more often and playing higher stakes to “win back” lost money
  • Frequent, unexplained absences-from home or work and undue secrecy
  • Gambling to escape from obligations or life’s daily pressures
  • Growing debt from gambling-lying or criminal activity to finance gambling
  • Neglecting family/personal needs-e.g., nutrition, sleep, schooling or general well-being

Triggers for Problem Gambling:

Events:

  • Advertising
  • Financial pressure
  • Availability
  • Friends gambling
  • Large jackpot
  • Hearing of a win
  • Near miss
  • Gambling and winning
  • Losing
  • Having money
  • Too much debt
  • Accused of gambling

Thoughts:

  • Picture winning
  • “My only chance”
  • “This time I’ll do it right”
  • “If I win I’ll be happy ”
  • Magical thinking“
  • It’s my destiny”
  • “I’ll only bet a little”
  • “I deserve some fun”
  • “There’s no other way I can pay what I owe”
  • “I’ll put the money back when I win”

Feelings: 

  • Anger
  • Irritation
  • Boredom
  • Desperation
  • Hopelessness
  • Happiness
  • Envy
  • Disappointment
  • Feeling Tired
  • Depression
  • Intoxication
  • Loneliness
  • Spitefulness
  • Feeling “on top of the world”

 

Niagara Multilingual Prevention/Education Problem Gambling Program © 2022

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