Gambling addiction: What you should know

If you're worried about someone else, or yourself, who might be addicted to gambling, here are some signs to look out for and ways to cope.

January 1, 2025

Fourways Review 1 minute read

Always try to seek help from others when dealing with a gambling addiction. Photo: Lil Artsy on Pexels

Knowing when to quit anything that takes an excessive chunk of your time and energy is the biggest victory that anyone can do for themselves. Whether it’s a relationship, work, drinking and in this case gambling, saying it’s enough should be the way to go.

It’s no surprise that gambling has been known as one of the most destructive addictions known to mankind and the road to recovery is not seen as an easy one.

Also read: Problem gambling on the rise among women

The first step is knowing that you have a problem and you can only figure that out through various warning signs:

Loss of control and being unable to manage impulsive urges to gamble even when the odds are against you
A negative impact upon relationships with those closest to you
Stealing money in order to gamble
You may also suffer from physical symptoms. These symptoms include anxiety, irritability, headaches, stomach upsets and stress-related symptoms
Increasing the quantities gambled to recoup lost bets or to experience the same thrill
Problems within the workplace which could include an increased workload, absence from work or general lack of concentration which makes it difficult to complete tasks sufficiently.

How to manage the symptoms of gambling addictions:

Seek professional assistance and guidance
Counselling, enrol in a public speaking class, join a social group, connect with family and friends, volunteer, find new friends
Find something you’re passionate about, such as art, music, sports, or books and then find others with the same interests
As little as 15 minutes of daily exercise can relieve stress: deep breathing or meditation
The odds are always stacked against you so it’s far better to seek help with debts from a credit counsellor
Replace gambling with challenging hobbies, such as mountain biking, go-karting or rock climbing.