Addiction
Gambling Disorder
Gambling that escalates and continues despite mounting financial, relational and emotional harm.
What it can feel like
- Needing to gamble with more to get the same buzz
- Chasing losses
- Lying about gambling, or hiding it
- Borrowing money, or debt
- Restlessness or irritability when trying to stop
Not everyone has every symptom, and you do not need a label to deserve support.
Things that help
Block access, not just intention
Self-exclusion, blocking software and removing payment methods work better than willpower alone.
Tell one person
Secrecy is what keeps gambling going. One honest conversation changes the equation.
Get money-handling support
A trusted person controlling access to funds for a period is a practical safeguard, not an overreaction.
Want to actually do these? Save them to your practices and tick them off as you go.
Add to my practicesWhen to reach for more support
Free specialist services and peer support exist. Speak to a GP about therapy, and ask about self-exclusion schemes.
Often looked at together
Alcohol Use Disorder
A pattern of drinking that becomes hard to control and continues despite harm to health, relationships or work.
Problematic Gaming & Internet Use
Use that takes over sleep, study, work or relationships, and that is hard to cut back even when it is clearly causing harm.