The five stages of an gambling addiction are The Winning Stage, The Losing Stage, The Desperation Stage, The Hopeless Stage, And last but not least The Recovery Stage.
During the Winning Stage of a gambling addict their self-esteem is at its highest. They seem to be winning more often than losing. The gambler begins to fantasize about what materialistic possession they can obtain through gambling
During the Losing Stage of a gambler their self- esteem decreases along with their personal debt decreases due to their gambling addiction. They will borrow money, skip work, even lie to family about where money may have went in place of bills. They chase after their losses which digs an even bigger hole.
The Desperation Stage of a gambler their lives have been significantly affected by their gambling addiction. And majority of their mental space is now preoccupied with the notion of placing their next bet.
During the Hopeless Stage of a gambler their desire to go forward in life becomes emotionally draining. They are at a loss of what to do now to pay their debts and how to face their loved ones .
During the Recovery Stage of a gambler. Their ready to take charge of their life and to begin the process of rebuilding what they have lost once they realize they can live without gambling recovery seems to accelerate as they regain control of their lives.
Through the five stages of a gambling addict can lead to a normal life once they realize they have a serious problem gambling and take the necessary steps to better themselves. Very few gamblers realize they have a problem until they reach the hopeless stage. A Compulsive Gambler always believe that they will hit the big one and all of their troubles will be over. Even when they have won big they will convince themselves that they can win again. Reaching a Compulsive Gambler prior to the hopeless stage is almost impossible trust me because family and friends do not know what to do. But note that even finding the proper resources it is still up to the person who has to problem to admit to it and choose to get help and change their addicted ways.