Playing significantly more than usual is the first and most obvious sign of an addiction. Other signs include playing to the exclusion of other important activities, neglecting work and household chores, playing instead of resting, giving up hobbies, and decreased social interactions.

If you decide to stop, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal, including: anxiety, irritability or restlessness. Look for other activities to take your mind off things.

Gambling more frequently may mean that you are also spending more than you can afford. Always plan ahead and calculate a budget with an amount that you can afford to lose whilst still allowing you to pay bills and provide for yourself and your family. Financial problems are responsible for a third of all divorces.

People with a gaming addiction often feel great shame due to their perceived lack of self-control, and may seek to isolate themselves further. This strains family relationships and causes trust issues to arise.

Family members can also unintentionally enable an addiction – whether by refusing to acknowledge the issue, giving them the means to engage more in the addictive behaviour, or helping them to mask the signs of addiction. This may seem supportive, but it lengthens the time the addiction is able to go on and thus entrenches the behaviour further, making any future attempt to quit more difficult.

If you believe you or a loved one may be displaying any of the signs listed above, please seek professional help as a matter of urgency. Help and support are always available. International organisations like GamCare can provide a roadmap for the journey ahead, with useful advice on how to reassert control over your life. You should also look to local support groups and counselling services to help you mend broken relationships and make positive, informed decisions about your future.