How to spot gambling addiction

Gambling addiction is not a "character weakness" but a diagnosable disorder. It manifests itself in persistent behavioral patterns that harm finance, work, study, health and relationships. Below is a short map: how to notice the problem in time, how to carefully check yourself/loved one and what to do next. (The diagnosis is made only by a specialist; material - informational.)

1) Red flags: What to watch first

Obsessive thoughts about the game (scrolling past bets, planning the next) and the growth of the "dose": to experience the same excitement, you need more and more amounts.

Unsuccessful attempts to shorten/stop, irritability and "breaking" when trying to pause.

Game "to get away" from anxiety/bad mood and chasing a loss ("back tomorrow to recoup").

Hiding the scale of the game, deception, risks to work/study/relationships, dependence on other people's money to cover debts.

💡 These signs underlie the clinical criteria for gambling disorder. According to DSM-5, the diagnosis is considered if the ≥4 of symptoms persist for 12 months (there are gradations in severity).

2) Rapid self-test (not diagnosed)

Lie/Bet test - 2 questions, 30 seconds

1. Have you had to trick loved ones about how much you play/lose?

2. Do you feel the need to bet more and more money?

The answer "yes" to at least one question is a reason for an in-depth assessment by a specialist.

PGSI (Problem Gambling Severity Index)

Studies use a short 9-point PGSI to assess the level of risk (from "low" to "problematic"). This is screening, not diagnosis, and its results are a reason to turn to a pro.

3) "Just playing a lot" or already an upset?

High engagement: a lot of time/bets, but limits are met, no debts, no work/relationships suffer, no deception.

Upset: increasing tolerance (more bets), loss of control, regular violation of rules/limits, concealment, "chase" and significant damage in areas of life. The key benchmark is impulsivity + harm.

4) Associated signs (often ignored)

Finance: payday loans, secret debts, resale of things, frequent "refinances."

Emotions and body: mood jumps, anxiety, depression, insomnia, somatic stress.

Behavior: avoiding meetings/duties, skipping work/study, conflicts at home.

5) What to do in the first 72 hours if you recognize yourself/a loved one

Step 1. Stop and "cool" the environment (today)

Enable timeout/self-exclusion in accounts for 24-72 hours.

Delete saved maps/autocomplete, put "output lock" (if available).

Inform one trusted person briefly: "I need a pause, here are my limits/plans."

Step 2. Add up the facts (tomorrow)

In 20 minutes, collect a picture: the amount of deposits/debts, a list of accounts, the status of the CUS/conclusions.

Record triggers: when you play more often (night, stress, alcohol, etc.).

Step 3. Schedule a consultation

Look for an addiction specialist/psychotherapist; CBT is an approach with proven benefit in reducing the frequency/intensity of play and severity of symptoms.

💡 If there are thoughts of self-harm, contact your region's emergency services or the nearest crisis center immediately.

6) How to support a loved one (and not burn out)

Speak on the facts ("I see: debts grow/deception"), avoiding labels and threats.

Suggest specific steps: sign up for a specialist, turn on self-exclusion, transfer control over limits.

Protect the overall budget: separate accounts, transparency of spending, prohibition of loans "to close holes."

Connect professional resources/hotlines of your country or international directories (for example, NCPG/SAMHSA - English-language help navigation networks).

7) Mini-checklist of self-observation for a month

Mark once a week:

Breakdowns/game episodes (days/times/triggers).
Money: deposits, debts, cancellation of conclusions.
Limits: whether timeouts/self-exclusion/stop loss are met.
Functioning: lateness, absenteeism, conflicts.
Emotions: anxiety/depression, a desire to "catch up."
The growth of any of the points is a signal to strengthen support and seek an in-person assessment.

8) Frequent myths - short answers

'I'm just unlucky/yes.' What matters is not "luck," but loss of control and damage.

"I'll stop when I want." Repeated unsuccessful attempts are just a diagnostic criterion.

"If I win back, everything will work out." "Chase" is the central symptom; almost always leads to aggravation.

9) Where to go next: supports and tools

Psychotherapy (CBT, motivational interviewing) - first line of care; if necessary, drug support is connected as prescribed by a doctor.

Mutual aid groups and consultation networks (national/regional - look for official directories: NCPG, health services).

Technical barriers: site/application blockers, banking restrictions on MCC codes, ban on payday loans.

Financial hygiene: freeze limits, do "output lock," keep records, negotiate with loved ones about budget transparency.

10) Memo to screen (copy)

💡 Yes - to help, No - to "dogon."
1. Any thought to "recoup" → a timeout of 24-72 hours.
2. Any attempt to hide the game or borrow money → inform a loved one, close access.
3. I will make an appointment with a specialist (CBT/addictologist).
4. Blocks on accounts, deletion of saved payment methods.
5. No night sessions, alcohol, "quick deposits."

Gambling addiction is recognized by a steady loss of control and harm - this is not about willpower. Use short screening (Lie/Bet), focus on clinical criteria (DSM-5), fix triggers and include "barriers" today. The main thing is not to be left alone: professional assistance and support for loved ones work.