Why Gambling Disorder is the "Invisible" or "Hidden" Addiction
Published:
Feb 14, 2025
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05:40 p.m.
ET
Key Points:
Gambling addiction rarely has the outward signs of other addictions
Diagnosing gambling disorder can be difficult due to lack of obvious visible symptoms
The DSM-V has 9 diagnostic criteria that indicate mild, moderate or severe gambling disorder
Treatment for gambling disorder should be done by a specialized professional
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Many people see gambling as a harmless recreational activity, but the reality is that thousands of people suffer from crippling addiction without anyone in their lives knowing. Recovered gambling addict Brian Hatch gave a lecture to students at Eastern Connecticut State University chronicling his fall into gambling addiction and how the people in his life didn’t know he was struggling.
Only 10% of those who suffer from problematic gambling behaviors seek out professional treatment for their addiction. Professionals in the addiction field have coined gambling the “hidden” or “invisible” addiction because it is so hard to identify without the outward signs of other types of addictions.
Why is gambling addiction known as the invisible or hidden addiction
Gambling addiction is often referred to and known as an invisible or hidden addiction, due to the lack of physical signs or symptoms that there is a problem at all. Most individuals attribute visual indicators to the presence of an addiction, so when there are little to none, as is generally in the case of gambling addiction, it can be very difficult to identify.
Gambling addiction can also be hard to identify as there are many ways to participate in gambling activities through apps, computers and phones, which are easy to hide from others. The 2018 Supreme Court ruling that gave the power to the states to legalize sports betting and gambling also made access to betting even easier, with the resulting expansion of mobile sportsbooks in now nearly 30 states.
The Head of Corporate Development at Gambling Education Network, John Gilham, wrote about the challenges of identifying gambling addiction in loved ones. Gilham states that most people aren’t aware of someone's gambling struggles until it is too late. He also explained how those who are addicted to gambling may think their actions would be seen by others as weak, so they try hard to hide the negative emotional, mental and physical impact of their actions.
If you can’t see it, what are the signs of gambling addiction?
If gambling addiction is invisible to most outsiders, how can you tell if a friend or loved one is struggling with their betting behaviors? There are certain signs that can indicate someone may have a problem and could benefit from professional help. Common signs of gambling addiction include:
Inability to stop gambling or using sports betting apps
Preoccupation with betting - constantly thinking and/or talking about it
Change in behavior; increased agitation or anxiety
Isolating from regular activities or social circles
Prioritizing gambling over other responsibilities
Financial issues due to gambling debts
Symptoms of withdrawal when not gambling
Hiding or lying about gambling habits
These symptoms can also show up in a partner who may be hiding their gambling addiction. It is important to be aware of the potential signs of negative gambling behaviors in order to support your loved one who may be struggling silently with a serious, invisible problem.
How is gambling addiction diagnosed?
Gambling addiction is typically diagnosed by a medical or mental health professional who uses a variety of tools to determine the severity of someone's gambling behaviors. The DSM-V has a set of 9 criteria that indicate if someone is suffering from mild, moderate or severe gambling addiction.The number of criteria an individual meets will help determine the severity of their addiction.
What treatment options are available for gambling addiction?
Although it may be difficult to identify a hidden addiction like gambling, there are treatment options available for those who are affected by the negative impact of gambling addiction. The type of treatment required will depend on the individual and the severity of their gambling addiction. Treatment options may include inpatient care, outpatient services, individual or family therapy, self-help groups and community resources.
Birches Health offers 100% remote therapy with specially trained gambling addiction counselors. Teletherapy provides individuals the opportunity to receive specialized treatment from the comfort of their own homes without the barrier of distance or accessibility. Birches also accepts all major insurance plans, helping make treatment for gambling addiction affordable for those who need it.
Here are some options for getting started with Birches:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
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