Diagnosing a Gambling Addiction: MoH Test Guide

Gambling can be a problematic behavior that impacts your life in various ways, but it's essential to understand the differences between a problematic gambler and a pathological one. A problematic gambler may splurge more money on gambling than they can afford, potentially affecting their quality of life and relationships, but they retain some control over their actions. On the other hand, a pathological gambler could be spending all their time, energy, and money on gambling, and when they aren't gambling, they might feel withdrawal symptoms and have little control over their urges to gamble.

If you think you or someone you know might be battling gambling issues, there's a simple self-assessment you can take. Answer the following questions based on the past 12 months, using the following scale: Never - 0, Sometimes - 1, Most of the time - 2, Almost always - 3.

Have you ever spent more money on gambling than you planned?
Did you need to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same thrill?
Have you ever tried to win back lost money?
Have you borrowed money or sold something to get money for gambling?
Are you often preoccupied with thoughts about gambling (e.g., planning bets, analyzing past games, or having money for the next time)?
Have others criticized you or said you have a gambling problem?
Have you felt guilty or empty because of gambling?
Has gambling caused you health problems, including stress or anxiety?
Has gambling caused you financial, personal, family, or work problems?

The higher your score, the higher the risk of developing a gambling addiction. Here's what each score range means:

0 points - Gambling without problems1 or 2 points - Low level of problems with few or no negative consequences3 to 7 points - Moderate level of problems, at risk of developing a gambling addiction8 points or more - Existing gambling problems with possible loss of control and development of a pathological gambling addiction.

It's crucial to remember that gambling disorder involves persistent behavioral patterns that disrupt personal, financial, and social well-being. Some key indicators include:

Preoccupation with gambling opportunities or securing funds to gamble
Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gambling despite intent
Restlessness or irritability when attempting to cut back
Needing larger sums of money to achieve the same level of excitement
Gambling more to recover previous losses
Lying to conceal the extent of gambling activities
Jeopardizing relationships, careers, or education due to gambling
Relying on others to bail out financial crises caused by gambling

If you're struggling with gambling issues, it's essential to seek help early. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and peer support groups have shown to improve recovery outcomes. For immediate help, you can contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP for confidential referrals.

In other news, a center for supporting people with gambling addiction has started operating in Ukraine. For more information, check out our article on sporting.net.

If you find yourself often preoccupied with thoughts about gambling and have borrowed money or sold something to get money for gambling, it might indicate a developing pathological gambling addiction.
According to health-and-wellness and mental-health professionals, those who have a higher score in the self-assessment for gambling issues could be at risk of developing a pathological gambling addiction.
Science has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy and peer support groups can significantly improve recovery outcomes for individuals battling gambling addiction.
A new center for supporting people with gambling addiction has recently opened in Ukraine, offering help to those struggling with this problematic behavior.