There are several things that you need to look for if you are worried that someone that you loves is suffering from a gambling addiction. First, you need to understand that there is not one specific reason that people begin gambling and subsequently become addicted. Therefore, you need to look for signs that they have become addicted rather than figure our why they are gambling. If you suspect that someone you love is addicted to gambling, the reason that they started is robably no longer important to them, they are addicted and they need help.
First, you need to consider if they have developed an obsession or extreme preoccupation with gambling. Does the person that you love spend most their time reliving their gambling escapades? Do they seem to always be planning for their next game?
Second, are they always trying to secure money from one source or another. Has the person that you love asked everyone in your family for money? Are they asking for larger and larger amounts of money?
Third, has the person the love tried to stop gambling before and failed? Has their been a point when they understood that they were not in control of their gambling behavior but are unable to stop? Usually, this process is repeated many times before someone seeks professional help. Do they become irritated or angry when they are trying to quit gambling?
Is the person that you love using gambling as a way to cope with stress in their life or a way to deal with sadness? Many people begin gambling for a reason, they like the feel of the high. If the person you love is using gambling as a coping method, then they need help right away.
Has their need for money become so bad that they have resorted to other means to finance their gambling habit? Many gamblers begin to steal, get involved in fraud
