Gambling becomes a problem when you have trouble stopping. When you spend more than you can afford. And when it begins to negatively impact other areas of your life, like your physical or mental health, school or work performance, finances, and/or your relationships.
People with gambling problems can max out their credit cards, borrow money, and neglect family, work or school obligations. Despite the negative consequences, they may deny that they have a problem, continue to chase their losses, and neglect their family, friends, work, and even themselves.
How to tell if you have a problem
Are you starting to have mixed feelings, like frustration and anxiety, when you think about gambling?
Ignoring your feelings only makes them worse. Eventually, they will begin to affect not just you, but your family and friends, too. Pay attention to how gambling makes you feel and know the warning signs before you develop a problem.