Some answers to your questions about gambling addiction

How do I know if I have a gambling addiction?
You will know if you have a gambling addiction as gambling has changed in your life negative social, emotionally, financially and spiritually. If you only have gambled, and work, more than you could afford, or lied about gambling, lost have missed more than likely you have a gambling addiction. "Compulsive gambling" is considered as an impulse control disorder and is characterized by the irrepressible thoughts and uncontrollable impulses to gamble. "Problem gambling" is considered less serious than compulsive gambling, but it's still a very serious problem.

Someone in my family is addicted to gambling. What should I do?
There are many paths you might take when a family member addicted to gambling. You can go to a meeting itself in order to get gamanon 12-step support from other family members of gamblers.(Check links and resources). This would be a good first step in finding out how the approach of your relative, because each situation is different. Check the resources page for more information on this topic.

I have a gambling addiction and I have a lot of money lost. I'm in debt, and I don't know what to do. Can you help?
Go into debt is one of the biggest after-effects of a gambling addiction. It may be the gambler effect long after he or she likes gambling and one of the long-term consequences of gambling addiction. When you join a group of Gamblers Anonymous 12-step, you can support trusted members on how to deal with your debt problems. Also visit the links and resources page for more information about debt and credit solutions as a result of your gambling addiction. Remember, gambling addiction is not a problem of money ... it's an emotional and spiritual problem with financial implications.

I may have a gambling addiction when I go to the casino ... but usually win?
Yes. There are 4 phases of a gambling addiction. 1. winning phase: usually begins with a great victory and a belief that success will continue indefinitely. 2. Losing phase: More preoccupied with gambling. Work, you only, with gambling missing lying about your whereabouts, and begins to chase your losses. 3. Desperation phase: this is really characterized by a loss of control, preoccupation with gambling, on most debt defaulting, fraud or theft, loss of job or primary relationship. 4. Hopeless stage: you bottomed out. You can also start the abuse of drugs or alcohol. Suicide thoughts and attempts are common in this phase.

I'm guessing that if I am lonely and depressed. How come?
You're probably known as a "escape gambler" you gambling to escape emotional pain. Most "escape gamblers" can become addicted to slot machines, online gambling, and bingo. An "action gambler" is someone who enjoys taking risks and playing of games of skill such as sports betting, the stock market, and maps. "Action-gamblers" traditional male have been, however, are the genera still well represented in each group.

I realize that I have a problem ... What is the first step to getting help?
Congratulations for it to admit that you have a problem. This is the first step you can take to getting better. Without this first step, your gambling addiction continue to progress. Gambling help can be found by going to the resources page within our site. You can also use the gambling hotline at 1-800-GAMBLER. Checking a local Gamblers Anonymous http://www.gamblersanonymous.org meeting is a good first step. Visit our resources and links page for more information. and again ... congratulations. You are on your way to a better life.

Michelle Tee is a self help coach and author on the topic of gambling addiction . If you are looking to stop gambling and success in the past do not have, visit her site today.