When should you consider yourself an addict

[rachael9385]

That's a lot of money if he is spending 30 percent of his monthly salary. I will probably be punched by my wife if I do that.

The problem with gambling addicts is that they won't admit it, and that is why it is difficult to help them. They will keep on telling themselves that they are okay and they are in control, but the fact is that they just cannot be true to themselves.
I won't force it if he is not accepting any of your advice. Just let him be and pray that soon he will realize that you are right.

The more they keep on denying the fact that they are addicted it doesn't make things better but it only makes it worse because they keep on repeating the same mistakes instead of admitting that it is really an addiction so they can fix it. it is hard to advise a gambling addict that doesn't think that he is addicted. it is best to just observe for a while and think of other ways that you can help the person

[aysha9853]

Someone does not need to hit rock bottom to be an addict, when gambling causes stress arguments or secrecy that is already a warning sign, amounts vary but behavior is more important than numbers.

[Oasisman]

Someone does not need to hit rock bottom to be an addict, when gambling causes stress arguments or secrecy that is already a warning sign, amounts vary but behavior is more important than numbers.

Exactly! It is always the behaviour that we need to look into in determining a gambling addict. However, an addict himself won't notice this or will be in constant denial. Those stress, arguments, and secrecy that you mentioned is a product of an uncontrollable desire to gamble and frequent spending in gambling.
This could be treated like normal for those who are used already, and it's hard to shake it off once you're in the gambling addiction vortex.

[Yablee0]

Most people don’t even realize they have crossed the line until everything starts falling apart. It must not even be up to or more than 50%, the moment you start using money meant for important bill, then you are already addicted..
And honestly, the moment you can not control your spending anymore or you keep chasing losses even when it is hurting you, that’s already a sign of addiction. You don’t have to be homeless before you admit something is wrong. The earlier someone acknowledges it, the easier it is to fix.

You made a good point about loss chasing. When a gambler starts feeling the urge to chase and recover all their losses, even when they know fully well that this wasn’t initially in the plan and that it’s draining their finance, They’re no longer using their rational thinking/reasoning anymore but allowing their emotions to make those decisions for them. You really don’t need to lose everything first before you realize that you have entered a wrong lane, just a few losses is enough to make you make a U-turn.

Yes that's true bro, once the drive in chasing  your lost become more uncontrollably, you always want to make sure you get all you have lost so far, menh! you are gone and it will seems obvious you have crossed the line and those that cross that line merely come back successfully.

Stressing further, did you know that their are some situations were by a gambler will become more addicted even without the person knowing and that's the most dangerous of it because in such situations only when you will realize is when everything is gone and that's the most craziest. However gambling shouldn't be a die hard game, if possible every players is surpose to know his or her boundaries when balling so that if at any point you start going astrain by crossing the line, perhaps you will quickly pause at least take some break period to enable you cool off your head for better reasoning.

[Kelward]

Someone does not need to hit rock bottom to be an addict, when gambling causes stress arguments or secrecy that is already a warning sign, amounts vary but behavior is more important than numbers.

Exactly! It is always the behaviour that we need to look into in determining a gambling addict. However, an addict himself won't notice this or will be in constant denial. Those stress, arguments, and secrecy that you mentioned is a product of an uncontrollable desire to gamble and frequent spending in gambling.
This could be treated like normal for those who are used already, and it's hard to shake it off once you're in the gambling addiction vortex.

Yes addiction is about behavior because it is when s gambler begins to behave irresponsibly towards gambling that we can say he is addicted, when he refused to change for better. The most worrisome addicts are the ones that will argue and quarrel when you try to advise them about their abnormal behaviors because of gambling. The addicts who admit that they have a problem but don't know how to stop are atleast willing to change their irresponsible behaviors towards gambling, they can easily get help than those that are in denials. I'm happy that addiction is always discussed among gamblers so they will conscious and try to be in control of their gambling habits or behavior.

[centrum]

Something done only occasionally and becoming a habit, repeated over and over again, and even unable to give it up or skip it, is rightly called an addiction. Addiction applies not only to gambling but to other things as well. I think it's a bad habit when gambling becomes a necessity, and it can drain our finances.
You're right, when we decide to set a budget from our salary for gambling, that's a sign of addiction. But what about those who gamble only occasionally, for example, once a month, within a set budget, and they do so responsibly, without any excessive behavior at all? I don't think they could be called addicted, even if it's reasonable.

yes addiction is not just about gambling just to make sure we are still discussed about gambling here. about gamble once a month, with a limit and never gamble more than it's limit and never mind if he missed his schedule to gamble, so its no problem at all. But if someday started to think "must" gamble once a month, it can be a sign of addiction coming. because the behavior that makes someone feeling "have to gamble" is an indication of addictive behavior. When someone feels restlessness because skipped his monthly gamble also part of the sign of addiction already affected that control already.

Exactly, okey I'll sum it up that addiction means when a gambler can't ignore any time without gambling, as you said they feel like they “have to gamble”, meaning gambling has become a habit and at that point when they don't gamble then they will feel like something is missing.
I'm speaking from experience because I've also been addicted before, feeling like something is missing is a strong sign that you're already addicted.

addiction refers to a state where a gambler cannot even imagine life without gambling. it feels like gambling is something that must be done and it is no longer a matter of choice but becomes a necessity. slowly gambling turns into a habit and starts to overshadow other important aspects of life. when the person does not gamble they feel a strange emptiness inside as if something is missing or lost in life. this feeling is very strong and painful. i am saying this from my own experience because i was once in this addiction myself. when i did not gamble i felt restless irritated and depressed. i did not understand it then but now i clearly realize that this feeling of something missing is the biggest sign of addiction. realizing this is the first step toward getting out of addiction.

[Pablo-wood]

Someone does not need to hit rock bottom to be an addict, when gambling causes stress arguments or secrecy that is already a warning sign, amounts vary but behavior is more important than numbers.

Yeah when the behaviour becomes disturbing to the gambler then addiction is beginning to set in. Sometimes the victim might want to push those slight symptoms away but every little attitude and behaviour accumulates until it becomes a big concern and by then it might cost more to find remedy. The most disturbing is when the victim starts arguing about the signs maybe they feel they aren't seeing them or they don't really matter whereas they are already halfway into being an addict.

[Olatundespo]

Someone does not need to hit rock bottom to be an addict, when gambling causes stress arguments or secrecy that is already a warning sign, amounts vary but behavior is more important than numbers.

Exactly! It is always the behaviour that we need to look into in determining a gambling addict. However, an addict himself won't notice this or will be in constant denial. Those stress, arguments, and secrecy that you mentioned is a product of an uncontrollable desire to gamble and frequent spending in gambling.
This could be treated like normal for those who are used already, and it's hard to shake it off once you're in the gambling addiction vortex.

Gamblers who are already addicted gradually lose the ability to recognize that they are addicted. They prefer to engage in activities that they find easy and right. They will tempt you to be their equal so that they can find a partner to legal their actions.

Addicted gamblers are simply looking for opportunities in the hope of hitting a jackpot. They are convinced that they will win the game and will be able to quickly recover their losses.

To be able to gamble in a controlled manner, you need to analysis the amount of losses so that you know how much money you are losing. Find out what you are prepared to do to prevent addiction because you will not realize that you are addicted until the amount of money you are losing is too much or until you are bankrupt.

[bubilas]

Typically, gamblers admit they have an addiction when they spend their entire salary on gambling without thinking about how they'll pay rent and groceries next month. This is because they often have to borrow money from friends, but even then, they sometimes think about using these borrowed funds to win back lost money at the casino.
This is how a vicious cycle of constantly borrowing money from friends and acquaintances begins, and the addicted gambler also takes out loans from banks and microfinance organizations.

[eisen33]

Yeah when the behaviour becomes disturbing to the gambler then addiction is beginning to set in. Sometimes the victim might want to push those slight symptoms away but every little attitude and behaviour accumulates until it becomes a big concern and by then it might cost more to find remedy. The most disturbing is when the victim starts arguing about the signs maybe they feel they aren't seeing them or they don't really matter whereas they are already halfway into being an addict.

I haven't personally observed the behavior of addicted gamblers, but I have seen people with alcohol addiction make excuses. Their first argument is that they can quit whenever they want. The problem is, they don't want to quit, and they won't until they realize it's a problem. I think this isn't difficult to understand, and the most important thing is to be honest with yourself. If you're losing more and more and can't stop, you'll likely need outside help.

[uche6215]

Snip.

Their first argument is that they can quit whenever they want. The problem is, they don't want to quit, and they won't until they realize it's a problem. I think this isn't difficult to understand, and the most important thing is to be honest with yourself. If you're losing more and more and can't stop, you'll likely need outside help.

I agree with you you can do anything to a gambler who is actually addicted by talking to such a person, the solutions to the problems of anyone lies with the person. Trying to force an addict to leave gambling may be like to be raising a dead body, until the addict begins to see a problem in what he is doing that is when such a person will like to take caution and steps that will lead to the process of recovering from gambling. Identifying your own problem is very important for speedy recovery.

[Grace333]

Typically, gamblers admit they have an addiction when they spend their entire salary on gambling without thinking about how they'll pay rent and groceries next month. This is because they often have to borrow money from friends, but even then, they sometimes think about using these borrowed funds to win back lost money at the casino.
This is how a vicious cycle of constantly borrowing money from friends and acquaintances begins, and the addicted gambler also takes out loans from banks and microfinance organizations.

I think it starts the moment gambling begins to affect your real life and responsibilities. Once someone is gambling with money meant for rent, food, or bills, that is already a red flag. When you are borrowing money just to gamble, or taking loans with the hope of winning back losses, it is no longer entertainment anymore.

At that point, it becomes a cycle, loss, borrowing, chasing wins, and more loss. That is usually when a person should be considered an addict, because the game is now controlling the decisions, not the other way around.

[junder]

Typically, gamblers admit they have an addiction when they spend their entire salary on gambling without thinking about how they'll pay rent and groceries next month. This is because they often have to borrow money from friends, but even then, they sometimes think about using these borrowed funds to win back lost money at the casino.
This is how a vicious cycle of constantly borrowing money from friends and acquaintances begins, and the addicted gambler also takes out loans from banks and microfinance organizations.

Some people will realize this easily, but in situations like this, they're faced with the choice of either quitting gambling or reducing their bets. They'll chase wins to recover their previous losses. Losing your entire salary to gambling is clearly an addiction. I even think a second gamble after a loss is an early sign of addiction. And then things can happen that shouldn't happen, like you said with borrowing. Instead of borrowing to survive, they sometimes gamble because they think the opposite will happen.

[fruktik]

Exactly, okey I'll sum it up that addiction means when a gambler can't ignore any time without gambling, as you said they feel like they “have to gamble”, meaning gambling has become a habit and at that point when they don't gamble then they will feel like something is missing.
I'm speaking from experience because I've also been addicted before, feeling like something is missing is a strong sign that you're already addicted.

When you don't gamble, you feel like something's clawing at your soul. Something's constantly missing. It's like a child's favorite toy has been taken away. That's how I felt when I couldn't even go to the casino. My money would run out, and I'd start looking for someone to borrow it from. It became a severe addiction, leading me to financial ruin. Why did I do it? I still haven't found an answer to that question. What drove me to do all this?

[DaNNy001]

Why do you trying to control his life?

It's more about you don't like his decision over respect what he choose, since he said he didn't affected by his gambling addict, there's no need to limit or suggest him to do what you want.

People should consider if they're an addict if gambling cause a problem or harm to their personal life.

it is not about control they are taking steps to make sure that he corrects his mistakes because he actually has a gambling problem but being in denial...The first step to stop gambling addiction is to admit that you actually have a problem...Gambling addiction doesn't start in one day it progresses gradually, if he doesn't start taking control of his decisions he might make more mistakes in the future

[Yablee0]

You should consider yourself an addict, the moment you cannot do without gambling. If you haven't gamble in  the day you wouldn't be satisfied. However, if you start gambling for profit, you can also be considered an addict because it must lead to addiction since most of the addicted gamblers were playing for profit and continue to chase their losses.

When you start borrowing money to gamble, you are already addicted. Don't gamble when you don't have money and stop gambling after you have reached your limit. You are to only use your part of your discretionary money to gamble. Addicts don't accept that they're addicted. That's the trick.

A gambler can realized that he is addicted to gambling when he spent most of his times, efforts, energy, and more money in gambling, they will keep doing that despite hurting relationships or responsibilities. And you will find it very difficult to cut back or stop himself from gambling, even after trying. If you notice yourself repeatedly asking family/ relation, or Friends for cash in order to gamble, that kind of behavior often signify or signals a loss of control. Because that's kind of habit is clearly showing that you are prioritizing your gambling over financial responsibility, and it can quickly spiral into compulsive use. And at this point, a lot of gamblers experience shame, secrecy, and the inability to stop gambling even when they want to do so.

Great point bro, a person is being considered an addicted gambler when is totally out of control in his gambling activities, someone that is overwhelmed by the whole gambling stuff and not able to know when to shut down even when having multiple losing streak. A person that is always at the edge of chasing every slight loss even without remorse or having a second thought of losing more.

Gambling addiction is not something that you will ever wish to your worst enemy not to talk more of your close associates, however gambling addiction is very real incase anyone is a doubting Thomas and it better we start preventing our self from it than letting it happen to us before we start looking for a better way out from it.

[Cgrexp]

There are many people who are addicted to gambling and do not want to quit gambling even after losing repeatedly, even though they understand this themselves, they never want to admit that they are addicted to gambling. Many others bet repeatedly mainly to recover their capital. And it is so frustrating that they do not want to stop gambling thinking that maybe they will find a way to get that money back. When someone spends 30% of their monthly salary on gambling, losing in this case can affect their normal life. If self-control is not possible in such a situation, there is a possibility of financial loss later. This should be explained to the addicted person so that he understands at least a little and is careful.

[Orpichukwu]

Someone does not need to hit rock bottom to be an addict, when gambling causes stress arguments or secrecy that is already a warning sign, amounts vary but behavior is more important than numbers.

If we are to judge based on amount, then how we rate someone who is addicted is going to vary because we individually gamble based on how much we earn and should have a limit, but that behavioural aspect is very important. If we are to look into it, then it's easier to spot who is addicted and who is still gambling responsibly.

[GiftedMAN]

If we are to judge based on amount, then how we rate someone who is addicted is going to vary because we individually gamble based on how much we earn and should have a limit, but that behavioural aspect is very important. If we are to look into it, then it's easier to spot who is addicted and who is still gambling responsibly.

Judging by amount used by each gambler will be difficult because some people will say they are gambling based on the amount they can afford to lose and that's true. But if we go by the behavior and the amount earned by an individual, it could be a bit better because some people go beyond what they earned and it affects their character generally.

[Dunamisx]

Sometimes an addicted gambler may not know he's, so there are measures that we must take to ensure that we are not gambling anyhow as we like, once we can maintain these guidelines, then we are a responsible type, but if we can't manage to abide by the guidelines, then we have to admit on the onset of addiction to how we are gambling, it's something we can tackle ourselves or seek for help to curb it, if needs be.