Gambling when faced with a crisis. Unexplained absences from work, home or other responsibilities, particularly if the person conceals or attempts to conceal how his or her time is spent. Spending an excessive amount of time on the telephone. This can be an especially strong indicator if the gambler is secretive about the nature of those conversations. Experiencing mood swings.
Any addictive behavior is characterized by severe mood swings.
Compulsive gamblers experience extreme highs when they win and extreme lows when they lose. Often, mere plans of gambling are enough to set these mood swings into motion. While a social gambler will work to make up lost funds, a compulsive gambler will scheme to acquire funds. A progressive disease characterized by the loss of control over gambling, a preoccupation with gambling and obtaining money to gamble, irrational thinking and a continuation of the behavior despite adverse consequences. With proper treatment and support, compulsive gambling can be arrested and individuals can lead healthy productive lives free from gambling.