Gambling Addiction in Australia
Gambling is a lot of fun and scooping up winnings can be quite great as well. Knowing when to stop is not something all online gamblers can do and our experts have jotted a few ideas on how to spot when gambling addiction has taken over your life, whether you’re getting into an addictive pattern, how to stop and when to seek help.
What is Gambling Addiction?
Defined by whether there is harm to others or the self, gambling addiction is when a gambler has a compulsion to gamble all the time even though there may be negative repercussions. Quite often, the gambler has the need to stop gambling but is unable to. These symptoms can only be diagnosed by a certified medical professional.
Signs of Gambling Addiction
There are different ways in which people gamble therefore there are different types of gambling addiction. Here is a list of some of the signs that could indicate that either you or a loved one may have a gambling addiction:
- Your gambling has become a concern to your family and friends
- Having difficulty regulating gambling habits
- Gambling when you do not have the money to do so
- Being secretive about gambling
These are some of the most common signs that you might be addicted. Some of these signs can cause emotional symptoms like depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety. Physical symptoms vary from weight gain or loss, acne, dark patches under the eyes, pale skin induced by a lack of sleep.
Ways to Overcome Gambling Addiction
- Admit there is a problem
- Become part of a support group
- Seek therapy
- Try ways of regulating the addiction
- Try medication
Treatment
There are various ways that gambling addiction can be treated, like therapy, step-based programs, support groups, self-help and motivational interviewing. These options give you the means and guidance for coping with gambling addiction. There may other underlying issues that are causing the addiction and getting professional help means that these will or may be addressed too. At most online casinos, players are given the opportunity to freeze their accounts for a certain period of time. This will ultimately assist the player to address their gambling issues.