Compulsive
and Problem Gambling
The compulsive
gambler may be a man or a woman of any age and from any social, ethnic,
and economic group. Problem gamblers may wager on legal and/or illegal
forms of gambling. No area of financial risk is safe for a problem
gambler. An individual who has had a problem with any substance is at
higher risk for developing a gambling problem. The problem gambler is
often more difficult to identify than a substance abuser. Compulsive
gamblers deny their problem and usually do not seek help at all or wait
until the situation is desperate. Family members and friends of
compulsive gamblers are encouraged to seek consultation and assistance.
- Do you let bills pile up while using earnings andsavings to
gamble?
- Do you owe large sums of money due to gambling losses and have you
lost credibility because you have not repaid loans?
- Do you neglect responsibilities because of preoccupation with
thoughts of gambling?
- Does your gambling create conflict and unhappiness in your family?
- Do you use gambling to escape worries instead of dealing with
problems in living?
- Do you think of desperate (e.g., illegal) ways to get money to
gamble or to repay gambling debts?
- Do you feel depressed and even suicidal because of gambling
losses?
- Have you made repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop
gambling?
- Does gambling create negative changes in your personality?
-
Do you continue to gamble despite serious problems caused by your
gambling, e.g., mounting debt, problems at work, legal problems,
etc.?
If
any of the signs of problem gambling are familiar and you think you need
help, please call
GAMBLING HELPLINE for Connecticut
1-800-346-6238
all other states 1-800-522-4700
