Which phase
do you find yourself in?

1. Social Phase: Do you perceive gambling as secondary without significant appeal? Does it allow you to simply break routine and socialize? Is it a way for you to do something thrilling? Do you view gambling as a form of entertainment or a pastime for when you are bored? In this phase, the balance in your life has not yet been compromised.
2. Winning Phase: In this phase, gambling is fun and the excitement is at its peak. Have you recently won either a big or a small amount of money? Do you consider yourself a « winner » ? If you feel like you have power and control over the game, it may be a sign that addiction is gradually taking over. Take a breath here because even though you are discovering gambling and are enchanted by it, it may start to have personal meaning for you. Have you ever gambled more than you intended to try to chase losses without being concerned? Do you see gambling as a solution to make «easy money»? It is possible that you do not yet see your gambling habits as problematic. However, it may now be a good idea to question yourself .
3. Losing Phase: Is there a huge shift presently happening with your gambling? Is it no longer fun to gamble and are you isolating yourself? Has lying become a habit? Are you losing a lot of money and are you regularly borrowing to recoup losses? Is the hope of winning and reliving the initial excitement motivating you to gamble? Are you feeling optimistic and convinced that your «luck» will return? If you believe you will end up winning because you have invested too much to stop, that is an erroneous belief. (Link to Erroneous Beliefs article) Chance never discriminates. You have surely entered the vicious cycle that is a gambling addiction. It is now time to contact a resource able to help you.
4. Desperation Phase: If you are feeling desperate, maybe gambling has become an addiction. Has your self-esteem severely taken a hit? Even if you have won at times, it remains a losing game since you have already gambled a lot of money. Have you realized that it is no longer possible to win back your money? Do you feel a lot more tired? Has your anxiety increased? Are you always angry? Have depression and suicidal thoughts manifested themselves? Have the warning sirens gone off? Are you now aware that you cannot continue like this and that you have a serious gambling problem? Do not desperately try to recoup your losses. Solutions do exist to help you

It does not only happen to others

Becoming addicted to gambling happens when you least expect it in an insidious fashion. You start by developing behaviours that seem harmless and before you know it, you are knee deep in addiction. The darkest phase of an addiction can occur quicker that we think.

If you are the loved one of someone with a gambling addiction, do not hesitate to ask for support.