Problem gamblers usually find it easier to hide their addictions—from themselves and others—than do alcoholics or drug abusers. Still, if you know what to watch for, you should be able to spot the danger signals associated with problem gambling.

Financial difficulties often are the most obvious signs that friends and families notice.

• Gamble until you have no more cash left in your pockets.
• Chase your losses to win back money you lost.
• See gambling as a real opportunity to make money.
• Growing debts and unpaid bills.
• Need financial help from others because of gambling.
• Sell personal or family items to finance gambling.
• Commit illegal acts to finance gambling.

Behavioral changes are less noticeable and are somewhat easier to hide from others.

• Gamble longer than you intend.
• Often gamble alone.
• Spend increasing amounts of time gambling.
• Boast about big wins and downplay losses.
• Lie to cover up the extent of your gambling.
• Failed in multiple attempts to reduce or stop gambling.
• Jeopardize relationships, work, or school because of gambling.
• Reputation suffers because of gambling.
• Less productive at work.
• Increasing marital problems.
• Neglect family and personal needs to gamble instead.
• Abuse alcohol or other drugs.
• Suicide attempts.

Gambling addicts often are in denial of their problems—both to themselves and to people who care about them. If they take long, honest looks inside themselves, however, they might detect some of these warning signs.

• Spend increasing amounts of time thinking about gambling.
• Need to spend more money to feel the same "rush" from gambling.
• Less ambitious at work.
• Trouble sleeping because you are thinking about gambling.
• Gamble after arguments, disappointments, or frustrations.
• Gamble to celebrate good news.
• Use gambling to escape stress, guilt, or depression.
• Become restless or irritable if you try to reduce or stop gambling.
• Feelings of despair, dread, or worthlessness.
• Increasing levels of stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Thoughts of suicide.

Do you think you might be a problem gambler or are at risk of becoming one? We have prepared a 10-question quiz that can help you determine if you should learn more about the path to recovery.