How Can I Tell if my Partner has a Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction is a complicated issue under the broader category of addictive disorders, with many similar traits as other impulse-control disorders. A proper diagnosis can be the first step to recovery. However, it is often up to a partner to identify the warning signs someone may be exhibiting. Here are some things to look out for.

Lying and Poor Emotional Control

One of the first signs a partner has a gambling addiction comes from how they respond when approached about the topic. They may regularly lie about working overtime at their office, only for you to discover that time was spent at the casino.

Some people at the beginning phases of gambling addiction may become upset or defensive if approached about their habits. Also, pay attention to how your partner responds to the inevitable lows of gambling. If they lose big after a night out, do they bring that frustration back to your home? If yes, it may be time to take the issue seriously.

Mismanagement of Funds

Casinos are designed to make money – almost every part of the casino floor conforms to the adage that “the house always wins”. The same can be said for online sports betting. Oddsmakers continually place what look to be juicy odds, only for sports betters to lose big when all is said and done.

While losing money goes hand-in-hand with gambling, a partner with an addiction may be insistent on spending more money to recover their losses. Or they exhibit less self-control and may regularly gamble away all their winnings in a few hours.

Preoccupation and Withdrawal

The internet age has made it incredibly easy to fall into the gambling trap, even without the casino. Those with a gambling addiction may spend hours, and thousands of dollars, on online betting websites or researching how to increase their winnings.

Self-control may be a small issue for most people, but it becomes a serious problem when all the time spent out of a casino is spent thinking about gambling. Another classic sign of addiction is withdrawal – look out for signs of psychological anxiety or distress when your partner is unable to gamble.

Gambling addiction can be a devastating disorder, but the recovery process does not have to be difficult. Take signs in your partner seriously, and suggest they seek help from a licensed counselor if you believe they may have a gambling addiction.

Horizon Counselling, based in southern British Columbia, offers counselling and therapy for those suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and addictions. If you have any questions about this article or would like to schedule an appointment for counselling, please call us at (778) 869-3379.