By Dr. Raymond Zakhari, PMHNP
Many high-achieving individuals quietly wrestle with behaviors that once seemed like harmless escapes (late-night online gambling, compulsive porn use, or endless swiping on hookup apps). What starts as stress relief or distraction can evolve into a cycle of secrecy, shame, and loss of control. These behaviors often go unchecked because they don’t “look” like addiction. There’s no empty bottle, no dramatic rock bottom just a growing sense that something is off, and the habits are harder to stop than they should be. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone and you’re not beyond help. The checklist below is a confidential, judgment-free tool to help raise yourself awareness and stoke some insight to help you decide if you should get professional help. This is not a diagnostic too, but simply a screener.
Behavioral Health Self-Check: Gambling & Sexual Behavior
Gambling Behavior
⬜ I often think about gambling, including past wins/losses, planning the next session, or finding ways to get money to gamble.
⬜ I need to gamble with larger amounts of money to feel the same excitement.
⬜ I feel tense, irritable, or restless when I try to stop or cut down gambling.
⬜ I’ve made repeated efforts to quit or control my gambling but haven’t succeeded.
⬜ I use gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, or painful emotions.
⬜ I often go back to try and win back money I’ve lost (“chasing losses”).
⬜ I have lied to others about how much I gamble or tried to hide my gambling.
⬜ My gambling has harmed important relationships, work, or educational opportunities.
⬜ I’ve needed help from others to cover financial losses caused by gambling.
Compulsive Sexual Behavior / Pornography Use
⬜ I spend more time than I intend on pornography, sexual chat, hookups, or seeking out sexual content.
⬜ I feel a strong urge or craving to view porn or engage in sexual activity even when I don’t want to.
⬜ I’ve tried to cut back on pornography or sexual behavior but haven’t been able to.
⬜ I use pornography or sex as a way to cope with boredom, stress, loneliness, or emotional pain.
⬜ I feel guilt, shame, or distress afterward—but keep returning to the behavior.
⬜ I’ve lied or kept secrets about my sexual behavior or pornography use.
⬜ My use of pornography or sexual behavior has negatively impacted my relationships, focus, sleep, work, or school.
⬜ I’ve missed deadlines, skipped events, or stayed up late due to sexual behavior or pornography use.
⬜ I’ve spent money I couldn’t afford on sex-related services or online platforms.
If you found yourself checking off more boxes than you’d like to admit, know this: awareness is the first step toward reclaiming control. You don’t need to spiral further to justify getting support. These behaviors often have deeper emotional roots (anxiety, loneliness, trauma, or unresolved stress). Dr. Raymond Zakhari, PMHNP provides discreet, concierge-level psychiatric care tailored for people who don’t do well in waiting rooms or one-size-fits-all models. Whether you’re exploring coaching, therapy, or medical treatment, I will meet you where you are, literally and emotionally.
- Ready to Take the Next Step?
- Call or text 917-484-2709 to schedule a confidential consultation.
- Prefer privacy? Ask about in-home psychiatric visits, telehealth, or office session at 1115 Broadway Suite 1244 NY, NY 10010
- Not sure where to start? Just say: “I saw the checklist.”