Can You Get Addicted to Trading Stocks?

Aug 11

(Spoiler, yes. Yes you can)

Buying and selling stocks, for most families, is a harmless if not beneficial activity that’s promoted in our society. Every day, people seek financial gains and independence from a smart trade—and try to avoid dizzying losses. Over 61% of Americans say they own stock, but how many fall into “pathological trading” is much harder to pin down.

Though there’s not enough research surrounding stock trading as an addiction, studies have shown that up to 8% of investors fit the criteria for compulsive gambling. Below are a few signs that you’re becoming addicted to trading:

● Engaged in daily trading and reliving past trading experiences

● Needing to “up the ante” with larger amounts of money or new financial tools

● Has made unsuccessful attempts to cut back

● After a loss, feeling the need to immediately start trading again to recoup the money

● Loss of interest in family/social activities and other hobbies

● Restless or irritable when unable to trade stocks

● Needs others to bail them out of situations caused by obsessive trading

● Loss of job or major relationships due to trading or losses

● Suicidal ideation

Though this set of criteria is far from the norm for most who engage with the stock market, it’s important to be aware of the dangers it can present. Awareness is the first key to stopping addictive behaviors before they start.

If you need help with problem gambling or obsessive stock trading, you’re not alone or without help. Contact us at (501) 403-2321 or info@arpgcouncil.org any time for local support.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5422017/

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/071713/downward-spiral-trading-addiction.asp

https://news.gallup.com/poll/266807/percentage-americans-owns-stock.aspx

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378426619302808?via%3Dihub

https://kindbridge.com/trading/addicted-to-trading-stocks-5-signs-its-time-seek-help/