I Have a Friend Who May Be a Gambler

"I have a friend who reminds me of the character THE PROFESSOR in your book. He may be a gambler. How do you know if someone you love has a gambling problem? What are the signs? A reader."

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on this. I'll give you something I found on a website called Caringchurches.com. It is pretty similar to what I feel, though it is stated a little bit different from the way the recognized authroities state it (go to http://www.helpguide.org/mental/gambling_addiction.htm#symptoms_gambling_addiction to see what the recognized authorities say).
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. . . From Caring Churches.com . . .

STAGE ONE: The gambler develops a dependence on gambling.

-- Negative changes take place within the gambler.
-- These changes are not yet obvious to others.
-- The gambler has a new sense of competence, power, and control.
-- The gambler feels a sense of euphoria and exhilaration.
-- The gambler views gambling as harmless entertainment or as a release.

STAGE TWO: A gambling problem becomes obvious to those closest to the gambler.

-- The gambler's whole lifestyle is affected by gambling.
-- Relationships with others are negatively affected (arguing with family and friends, conflict with coworkers).
-- The gambling problem becomes obvious to those closest to the gambler.
-- The gambler's productivity decreases (irresponsibility, procrastination).
-- The gambler becomes more consumed with gambling.
-- Lies and deception become a regular part of the gambler's life.
-- The gambler begins stealing money and using other dishonest means to gamble.

STAGE THREE: The gambler loses all control. Gambling becomes his or her master.

-- The euphoria from gambling is gone but the gambler keeps gambling anyway.
-- Gambling addiction dominates every facet of the gambler's life.
-- The gambler becomes totally enslaved to gambling.
-- The gambler's social world consists mostly of other gamblers.
-- The gambler's most important relationships become severely damaged or destroyed.
-- Most of the gambler's awake hours are spent gambling or taking steps to gamble.
-- Chaos and complete loss of control characterize the gambler's life.
-- Legal problems mount (the gambler may be arrested for stealing or embezzling).
-- The gambler files for bankruptcy.
-- The gambler begins contemplating suicide.
-- The gambler attempts suicide.

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It's pretty grim the way caringchurches.com states it, but I have known gamblers in every stage listed above, so I agree with them.

Thanks for your question,

Preston