Family history: If one of more close relatives has a history of compulsive behavior or addiction, the risk of developing an addiction to gambling or another substance or process is increased. According to Alcohol Research & Health, the risk of developing alcoholism is up to 60 percent greater in males or females who have a family history of. Mar 15, 2019 When a family member sees someone they love struggling with a gambling problem, they may find themselves feeling ashamed, hurt, angry, confused, and betrayed. While everyone processes their emotions differently, some emotional responses can hinder the recovery process and lead to family members choosing to isolate themselves from the person.

Gambling Problem Family Member Dies

Many people enjoy gambling and do so responsibly. But for a few, gambling is not a social activity. The National Gambling Impact Study Commission found that 2.7% of American adults are pathological or problem gamblers.

An untreated gambling addiction, like any other, can destroy families, careers, and can even be life-threatening. It’s important, therefore, to recognizing the signs and urge help.

Gambling problems cause strong feelings. Family members may feel ashamed, hurt, afraid, angry, confused and distrustful. These feelings make it harder to solve problems. The person who gambles may even deny that there is a problem.
Relevant theoretical perspectives are outlined and the role of familial factors in the development of problem gambling is discussed. This is followed by a focused review of the effects of problem gambling on family members, specifically the spouse, children and parents. Available treatments and therapies for family members are also reviewed.
If your family members or friends have a gambling problem, the chances are greater that you will, too. Medications used to treat Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome. Drugs called dopamine agonists have a rare side effect that may result in compulsive behaviors, including gambling, in some people.

The following are some of the frequent signs that have been associated with people who are struggling with a gambling addiction or who are becoming addicted.

Adults

Mounting, unpaid bills and pursue by debt collectors
Gambling to escape worry, boredom or problems
Constantly thinking about gambling
Thoughts about gambling disrupting sleep
Routinely gambling longer than planned
Having thoughts about self-harm or suicide because of problems resulting from gambling
Taking time off work or from school to gamble
Hiding money from family to gamble (or, hiding money from a spouse/family member so they don’t spent it on gambling)
Stealing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
Borrowing money to finance gambling or to pay back gambling debts
Continuing to gamble even after promises and commitments to stop
Changes in mood and behavior coinciding with gambling episodes
Missing important events, appointments and other commitments as a result gambling

See other behavioral signs of Gambling Addiction

Students

Adolescents and college-aged individuals are also vulnerable to gambling addiction, and may express signs that are different than adults:

Unexplained absences from school or classes
Sudden drop in grades or failure to complete assignments on time
Change of personality or behavior
Exaggerated display of money or other material possessions
Daily or weekly card game
Bragging about winning at gambling
Intense interest in gambling conversations
Unusual interest in newspapers/magazines/periodicals/sports scores
Unaccountable explanation for new items of value in possession
Borrowing or stealing money
Withdrawing from family and friends
Uncharacteristically forgetting appointments or dates
Exaggerated use of word “bet” in vocabulary and/or use of gambling language in conversations (e.g. bookie, point spread, underdog, favorite)

Work-place signs

Gambling problems can impact the workplace causing distress for the individual employee as well as peers. If you are concerned about one of your employees or colleagues, ask yourself the following:

Gambling Problem Family Member Dies

Does the employee spend excessive time away from the job? (NOTE: Excessive time away from the job may include extended use of telephone to place bets or check results; reviewing form sheets, racing, sports or the stock pages in the newspaper, when pretending to work; participating in cards, lottery and/or office pools often, etc.)
Does the employee take unusual amounts of sick time, especially half-days? (NOTE: The compulsive gambler frequently takes excessive time. S/he often suffers from depression, hypertension, ulcers and other health problems. S/he also uses sick time to gamble.)
Does the employee routinely arrive late, leave early, take long lunches or experience difficulties reporting and/or remaining in scheduled work location(s)?
Does the employee talk or worry about money problems, or experience money difficulties, resulting in requests for cash advances or loans (i.e. borrowing) from fellow employees and/or employer?
Does the employee always seem to be the person who starts and/or runs the office pools (e.g. sports, lottery, birth)?
Does the employee encourage coworkers to bet in office pools and/or bet more money?
Does the employee try to organize an office excursion to a casino or racetrack?
Does the employee have a history of writing bad checks?
Does the employee have more than one mailing address?
Does the employee’s use of company money seem suspicious or inappropriate?