99% of people are able to play games like bingo online without any problems. We aren’t blind to the fact that gambling addiction can be an issue for some though, which is why we’ve decided to create this page on the subject. We don’t want any of our readers going through financial or emotional problems due to gambling addiction, so we urge anyone who thinks they might have a problem to contact one of the fantastic gambling addiction agencies listed further down this page.

The Signs of Gambling Addiction

There is no one single symptom that points towards an addiction to gambling. Instead, the problem can manifest itself in many different forms. From overspending through to deteriorating relationships with loved ones, gambling addiction could show itself in many ways. Below you’ll find most of the signs and symptoms you could experience if you are suffering from gambling addiction…

  • Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose
  • Spending too much time gambling
  • Arguing excessively with family about gambling
  • Keeping your gambling activities a secret from friends and relatives
  • Losing interest in previous hobbies
  • Attempting to gamble your way out of financial problems
  • Borrowing money to fund your gambling activities
  • Falling behind at work or at school as you’re gambling excessively
  • Spending more and more to get the same buzz
  • Constantly thinking about gambling, even when you’re not gambling

Please remember that most people with a gambling problem won’t have all the above symptoms. In fact, most will only have one or two of them. This means that you should seek help even if you only have a single symptom from the above list. If in doubt, speak to someone anyway – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Helping Someone with a Gambling Problem

It is often the case that you, the friend or relative, will spot a gambling problem before the person suffering from it. If this happens, you will almost certainly want to move to help them straightaway. Please remember that not every addict will be receptive to your intervention though. As the old adage goes, they will only be ready to get help once they have accepted the problem for themselves. So, approach them tactfully and sympathetically at first and don’t be surprised if they don’t react in the way you want them to.

Once an addict has admitted that they have a problem, you will then be able to support them in a number of ways. You can be there for them to talk to, you can remove some of the potential pitfalls from in front of them, and you can encourage them when things don’t feel great. You should remember that there is a chance that the person will relapse at some point, as is the case with any addiction. If this happens, don’t judge them. Instead, provide a shoulder for them to cry on and encourage them to get back on the right track.

Helpful Gambling Addiction Organisations

There are many groups and individuals out there waiting to help those with gambling problems. For many people, the best place to start is with their own GP though. A good GP will recognise the fact that addiction is a medical problem and will point you towards the correct care and treatment. This could include counselling, therapy, or giving you contact details for one of the different gambling addiction charities.

Once you have spoken to someone away from your friends and family about your problem, you should find it easier to bring the issue up with those closest to you. You will almost certainly then find that they help you immensely through the whole recovery process.

Gamblers Anonymous

The best-known of all gambling addiction programs is Gamblers Anonymous, which is often simply shortened to GA. This organisation has groups up and down the country, so there will almost certainly be a group near you. They provide a network for you to lean on and you’ll be able to chat honestly and candidly with other people also suffering from gambling addiction. They don’t just help you to get over the initial stages either – they will also be there well into the future, helping you to avoid sliding back into addiction.

You can find out more by heading over to the Gamblers Anonymous website. Even if you’re not ready to attend a meeting, you might find that the online forum offered by GA is a really great help.

GamCare

Another very well-known organisation is GamCare. Their website offers advice for everyone, ranging from those with a gambling problem, through to their friends and family. It’s a great place to go if you are looking for honest, simple advice on where to turn next, as they have details of many individuals and organisations waiting to help you. They also offer a free helpline, which can be incredibly useful for some, especially those who feel that they’re going through things alone. There’s also an online chatroom, where you can talk to other people going through similar issues.

We would really recommend visiting the GamCare website today, regardless of whether you’re an addict yourself, or someone trying to support someone else with a gambling problem.

Priory Group

The Priory Group is a private company, offering treatment for a number of conditions, including gambling addiction. The treatment can be pricey, however those who can afford it will experience top-class assistance. There are Priory Group facilities up and down the country and treatment can be either as an inpatient or an outpatient. They can also help in getting to the root of any problem, as some gambling addicts also have more deep-rooted psychological issues.

If you’d like to find out more about the Priory Group, head to their website today.