Note any negative changes in personal relationships. This includes lying and problems occurring on weekends, vacations and family visits that interfere with any activity related to buying and selling in financial markets.

Watch for large capital risk-taking in the stock market. Typically, a day trader works with a margin, money borrowed from the broker. This gives the trader more capital for trading. One signal of addiction occurs when the trader continues to lose but invests more of the broker's money, disregarding any financial safe houses.

See if the day trader plays the market like a slot machine. Constant buying and selling while using many too ls. Charts, graphs, level 2 quotes, stock news, streaming quotes and momentum remain good sources for executing a trade, but the appeal of the different colors and constant change stimulates the addiction.

Notice the highs and lows of the day trader's behavior over trades. Like all gamblers, there's a fluctuation in emotions. A quick money making trade brings the emotional level up while a loss can depress, so the trader constantly seeks the high.

Observe a preoccupation with the financial markets to the point of obsession. Life for this person revolves around day trading and the pursuit of the next trade. The addicted person lives in isolation at the computer while avoiding other daily matters.

Monitor borrowing activities relating to family, friends, money from a credit card and weekly paychecks. A problem trader, like a casino gambler, has an addiction that overrides common sense.

The “four phases” of problem gambling and gambling addiction

People with gambling problems typically go through four phases, progressing from recreational gambling to problem gambling and finally to gambling addiction. Each phase can last from months to years.

• Winning phase – The winning phase often starts with a big win, leading to excitement and a positive view of gambling. Problem gamblers believe they have a special talent for gambling and that the winning will continue. They begin spending greater amounts of time and money on gambling.
• Losing phase – Problem gamblers become more and more preoccupied with gambling. They start to gamble alone, borrow money, skip work, lie to family and friends, and default on debts. They also begin to "chase" their losses: gambling in order to win back money that was lost.
• Desperation phase – Problem gamblers lose all control over their gambling. They feel ashamed and guilty after gambling, but they can’t stop. They may cheat or steal to finance their addiction. The consequences of compulsive gambling catch up with them: they may lose their jobs, get divorced, or get arrested.
• Hopeless phase – In the hopeless phase, problem gamblers hit “rock bottom.” They don’t believe that anyone cares or that help is possible. They don’t even care if they live or die. They may abuse drugs and alcohol to numb the pain. Many problem gamblers also consider or attempt suicide.

Dealing with gambling cravings

When you’re feeling the urge to gamble, the following strategies can help:

• Do something else. Distract yourself with another activity, such as cleaning your house, going to the gym, or watching TV.
• Postpone gambling. Tell yourself that you’ll wait five minutes, fifteen minutes, or an hour — however long you think you can hold out. As you wait, the urge to gamble may pass or become weak enough to resist.
• Give yourself a reality check. Visualize what will happen if you give in to the urge to gamble. Think about how you’ll feel after all your money is gone and you’ve disappointed yourself and your family again.
• Reach out for support. Call a trusted family member, meet a friend for coffee, or go to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.