Consider these warning signs:
(They could be a signal you've crossed the line from the
fun of social gambling to the pain of problem gambling.)
- Repeated failed attempts to stop or control the gambling
- Lying to others or yourself about the amount of time and money spent on gambling
- Gambling to escape from life's problems
- Gambling for increasing amounts of time or with increasing amounts of money
- Gambling more money in an attempt to win back losses (chasing)
- Neglecting the care of one's self or family due to gambling
- Losing time from work or school due to gambling
- Relying on loans or “bailouts” from family or friends to meet financial obligations
- Feelings of helplessness and depression or thoughts of suicide
You can put a stop to your problem.
- Admit it is a problem
- Reach out and get the help you deserve
- Follow through One Day At A Time
|
The Problem Gamblers Help Line
1-800-522-4700 You can get 24-hour confidential assistance |
Caring and knowledgeable counselors will answer questions and provide information about resources to assist both you and your family. They are able to provide information specific to your geographic area and personal needs.
You will only win, once you stop.
Knowing why you have a problem with gambling is not part of the solution. However, current research shows that there appears to be a chemical imbalance of endorphins and neurotransmitters in the pleasure center of the brain.3
There are no medications that stop problem gambling. Maybe someday there will be. Right now, the best way to stop is with the help of others, and trained counselors. Call the number above!
Another resource to use if you want to stop is Gamblers Anonymous. The link will give you information about meetings near you (international locations included).
Think you might be living with a compulsive or problem gambler?
Read and answer the following. This will help answer your question. Your concern says there may be a problem. You and the person you are concerned about need help.
- Do you find yourself constantly bothered by bill collectors?
- Is the person in question often away from home for long, unexplained periods of time?
- Does this person ever lose time from work due to gambling?
- Do you feel that this person cannot be trusted with money?
- Does the person in question faithfully promise that he or she will stop gambling; beg, plead for another chance, yet gamble again and again?
- Does this person ever gamble longer than he or she intended to, until the last dollar is gone?
- Does this person immediately return to gambling to try to recover losses, or to win more?
- Does this person ever gamble to get money to solve financial difficulties, or have unrealistic expectations that gambling will bring the family material comfort and wealth?
- Does this person borrow money to gamble with or to pay gambling debts?
- Has this person's reputation ever suffered due to gambling, even to the extent of committing illegal acts to finance gambling?
- Have you come to the point of hiding money needed for living expenses, knowing that you and the rest of the family may go without food and clothing if you do not?
- Do you search this person's clothing or go into his or her wallet when the opportunity presents itself or otherwise check on his or her activities?
- Do you hide his or her money?
- Have you noticed a personality change in the gambler and his or her gambling progress?
- Does the person in question consistently lie to cover-up or deny his or her gambling activities?
- Does this person use guilt induction as a method of shifting responsibilities for his or her gambling?
- Do you attempt to anticipate this person's moods to try to control his or her life?
- Does this person ever suffer from remorse or depression due to gambling, sometimes to the point of threatening self-destruction?
- Has gambling ever brought you to the point of threatening to break up the family unit?
- Do you feel that your life together is a nightmare?
Reprinted from GAM–ANON International ®
The Gam-Anon family groups may be able to help you cope. You can also get information from the The Problem Gamblers Help Line: 1-800-522-4700
You are not the cause of the problem. It may feel unfair that you are stuck in this situation. Your only responsibility is to take steps to get out of it.
Along with contacting the above resources, it may be helpful for you to contact a therapist or counselor in your area. Talking about your possible codependency issues could help.
