Addiction is not limited to biochemical substances such as cocaine, alcohol, inhalants, or nicotine. It can involve behaviors that provide opportunities for immediate reward. Because of the fast feedback that occurs from such activities, they can quickly turn a pastime into a compulsive pursuit of reward that may lead to the neglect of other life goals and create harmful consequences, from the loss of large sums of money to the disruption of important relationships.

Behaviors indicative of gambling disorder include:

• The need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement.
• Restlessness or irritability when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to cut back or stop gambling.
• Preoccupation with gambling.
• Feelings of emotional distress leading to gambling.
• Gambling losses followed by attempts to make up for them.
• Lying to conceal the extent of one's gambling.
• Gambling that jeopardizes important relationships or work, school, or other obligations.
• Financial desperation leading to borrowing money from others.