While gambling once in a while can be a diverting activity, when your loved one does it repeatedly, it can wreak havoc on your finances and security. Unfortunately, while they’re in the throes of gambling addiction, they may not realize that there is a problem. In such cases, it’s critical to reach out to find our gambling addiction resources. We can provide assistance in staging an intervention and help you recreate healthy boundaries for you and your loved one. If you need gambling addiction services, please reach out to Southworth Associates today at (866) 460-9014.
What is a Gambling Addiction?
With casinos and the lottery available in most states, moderated gambling is a behavior that many people around the United States engage in each day. Unfortunately, gambling addiction is different. If your loved one does not seek treatment, it can impact their relationships and financial situations. It can also put them in physically dangerous situations.
How often your loved one gables will depend on a range of situations. They may go for days without a gambling episode, but once they’re in the state, they’ll be unable to control their behavior. They will keep gambling even if they’re facing financial, legal, or social consequences.
Many individuals with a gambling addiction are men, but they can impact women as well. Those with a gambling addiction may compulsively buy lottery tickets and go to casinos or horse racing tracks. They may want to play slot machines, gamble on their computer or phone, or bet on sports.
Symptoms of a Gambling Addiction
Sadly, in some cases, it can be difficult to tell if your loved one is battling a gambling addiction because they may try to hide their condition. However, this type of addiction can be challenging to conceal. You may notice that your loved one frequently needs to access an online gambling pool or a casino. They may also gamble at home if they think that no one is around, and you may find their addiction showing itself in other aspects of life.
Individuals with gambling addictions display some clear symptoms that they need help. The symptoms of a gambling addiction may include:
- Needing to gamble to feel better about their life.
- Obsessing over gambling activities
- Choosing to gamble rather than work or fulfill other commitments
- Being unable to control their gambling streaks
- Using money for bills or groceries to gamble
- Selling prized possessions to engage in gambling
- Needing to steal money to gamble
- Expressing guilt after their gambling sessions
- Taking more extreme risks while they’re gambling
- Lying about their gambling practices
Even if your loved one has only shown a few of the symptoms listed above, they may still experience the consequences of their gambling addiction. For instance, they might experience faltering relationships with their friends or family members. They may also lose their house, car, or job, and other prized possessions.
Reach Out to Southworth Associates Today
Because people with gambling addictions don’t always gamble frequently, it can be challenging to know whether you need to seek intervention services. But when they’re unable to stop gambling, it can have lasting consequences for both you and your loved one. In such cases, it’s critical to seek out our gambling addiction resources. We can help you find a gambling addiction treatment program and stage an intervention. We offer a range of intervention options, including:
- Family intervention
- Medical intervention
- Mental health intervention
- Bilingual interventionists
- Multi-age intervention
Your loved one’s gambling addiction doesn’t have to take control of their life any longer. To learn more about our intervention services, contact Southworth Associates today by calling us at (866) 460-9014.