According to Webster’s dictionary gambling is the practice or activity of betting; the practice of risking money or other stakes in a game or bet. People engage in gambling for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways. If you gamble, you may see it as a social activity or a fun way to disconnect for a while. But how do you know when your gambling has become a problem? Keep reading to find some helpful tips on doing a self-assessment of your involvement in gambling.
The DSM-V (Diagnostic & Statistical Manual-5th edition) provides a framework for determining when gambling has become problematic or disordered. Do you find that you need to gamble with more money or for longer periods of time in order for it to be as rewarding or satisfying? In other words, have you developed a tolerance similar to what happens with alcohol? You may start off spending $20, or maybe $50, and that seems affordable for you. Yet over time, you realize those amounts have increased to $100, $200 or more each time for it to be “worth it.”
Maybe you’ve noticed you are wanting to gamble more often or spend more money, but sense that this could be a problem, so you try to cut back or stop. Do you notice that you are more restless or irritable when trying to control it? When you try to control it, are you unsuccessful, and find yourself back to gambling just as often or more, or with just as much money or more? These things could be signs that your gambling has become problematic.
Have you caught yourself thinking about gambling more often? As gambling starts to be a more serious issue, you may notice that you are preoccupied with it. You may think of the fun, exciting times you’ve had with it; you may start planning the next time you can gamble, and you may start making plans to have the money with which to gamble. And maybe these thoughts start to distract you from work or from being able to engage with the people around you.
What do you notice about yourself when you gamble? Are you more likely to gamble when feeling worried, troubled, lonely, or sad? Maybe it’s when you feel anxious or depressed? When gambling is used as a way to numb out or relieve negative emotions, it is a good sign that there is a problem. The consequences of gambling can be devastating at any time, but especially if it’s used as a self-medication when feeling distressed.
Although many gamblers do not talk about the times they lose money gambling, they most certainly do lose. If this was not true, gambling establishments or sources would not be able to stay in business! Have you noticed after a loss that you want to return to try to win, or to get even, also referred to as chasing one’s losses? When the losses happen, do you have to rely on the people in your life to bail you out, or loan you money? Maybe you lost so much you are not sure how you will make ends meet, so you must borrow, such as with credit cards, pay day loans, or other sources?
How does your gambling affect others in your life? Maybe you have lied about your gambling, because the truth would be hurtful, or you do not want to admit how bad it has gotten. Are you lying to yourself about how far involved you have become? Does the gambling you do put you at risk of losing a relationship, a job, or a career opportunity? Have you already lost those things?
As you read these signs of problematic gambling, do you identify with any of them? Are you wondering, do I have a problem? Is this more than I can handle? And if so, now what do I do? Where do I go for help? Thankfully, there is hope, and help is available. You can call a hotline or seek professional help. In Nebraska call 1-833-238-6837 or text 402-806-7344. In Iowa, the hotline for help is 1-800-BETS OFF.
Confidential, free, professional help in Nebraska is available through the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program by calling the hotline listed above, or you can reach out to us directly at Spence Counseling Center at 402-991-0611. There is also support available through groups such as Gamblers Anonymous and G12.
Gambling problems can compound quickly, and the debt can snowball fast. If you or a loved one is suffering because the gambling has gotten out of control, or you see the warning signs, take action today. Remember there is hope in the healing our Creator provides. Psalm 147:3 tells us “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” And in Isaiah 40, verse 31 we are reminded that “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings of eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Written by Megan Dreyer – MS, LIMHP, LMHC, CDGC, NCC
Spence Counseling Center provides Christ-centered counseling services that integrate Biblical truth with professional therapeutic practices. With a team of experienced counselors, we help individuals, couples, and families find healing, hope, and growth through faith-based guidance. Our mission is to walk alongside clients as they align their hearts and minds with God’s Word, fostering lasting emotional, spiritual, and relational health. Wherever you may be in life’s journey, we are committed to helping you find strength, knowledge, and the skills to break the patterns that damage relationships and cause emotional pain. We help hurting people find genuine healing.