Many people who are addicted to gambling do so out of desperation. They gamble when they feel stressed and depressed, or they just like the thrill of winning. They often lie about their gambling habits to hide their compulsion to win. This problem can have negative effects on a person’s physical, social, and professional life. Here are some signs of an addiction to gambling:

Responsible gambling involves understanding the odds and knowing when to quit. Most people who gamble are not experts, but they have some knowledge of how to make informed decisions. A good rule of thumb is to budget for your gambling, and not view it as a way to make money. By understanding what makes people gamble, you can take steps to avoid making the same mistakes they made. While some people cannot resist gambling, you don’t have to feel the urge to spend your money on it.

The goal of the gambling screening is not to diagnose a gambling disorder, but to aid in identifying a patient who may be suffering from an addiction. In addition to identifying a patient’s gambling behavior, it is important to avoid using words such as pathological or compulsive. Instead, use language that suggests that the gambling behavior is affecting their overall health and quality of life. A therapist who doesn’t label a patient is more likely to understand their addiction and be able to help them overcome the problem.