Wellness Center

Compulsive Gambling ? What Are You Willing to Risk?

Gambling is playing a game of chance for stakes – usually money. People wager on horse and dog races, lotteries, card games, slot machines, athletic contests, bingo, and much more. By its nature, gambling involves risk. You might win and feel confident and powerful. You might lose and feel unlucky but on the verge of winning, or you might be desperate to win. In the long haul, losing is the most likely result. If gambling causes a disruption in your life – physical, social, work related, or psychological – you are probably addicted.

Compulsive gamblers are preoccupied with betting, and risk more money as time goes by. They feel that they can't quit. Compulsive gambling is a disorder of impulse control.

Gambling is only as far away as your computer, telephone, or corner store. You can also go to a race track or casino. For the 95 percent of people who use gambling as harmless entertainment, this is fine. For the four to six percent who can't control their gambling, it means trouble. Compulsive gambling is often well hidden. It doesn't leave needle marks nor can it be detected with a breath, blood, or urine test.

QUIZ – Do You Have a Gambling Problem? 

Answer Yes or No to these 12 questions.

(One or more Yes answers might indicate a gambling problem): 

Do You Need Help?

Is your gambling compulsive? You might not be the best person to answer that question. Those around you know. Listen to them. Does your gambling affect their lives? What happens when you try to stop? How do you feel? Do you believe you could quit anytime you want to? It's not that easy.

In many cases, you will know when you need help, even if you deny it. Some common symptoms include:

• Making wagers more often than you honestly intend – because you just can't help yourself
• Unsuccessful attempts to quit, usually undermined by a persistent desire to gamble
• Regularly lying about betting and exaggerating the amount won
• Giving up other activities in life to pursue gambling
• Continuing to gamble despite knowledge of harm to yourself and others
• Experiencing strong withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit
• Making excuses to be away from work in order to go to race tracks or casinos
• Borrowing money from friends, family, or co-workers to place bets or cover losses

Addiction is usually based on long-term gambling behaviors. You don't become hopelessly addicted after placing one bet. In evaluating your addiction, look at how hard it is to stop. For example, stopping gambling can be just as difficult as stopping smoking or using heroin, although the physical withdrawal might not be as dramatic.

Where is Help?

What kind of help do you want? What kind of help do you need? If you aren't quite ready to see a therapist or go to a support group, check out online resources. There are many organizations that provide counseling, support, and referrals.

Individual therapy – First, see your doctor. Check out professional therapists who specialize in addictions.

Support groups – Gamblers Anonymous and other groups offer information, companionship, and support. You can attend outpatient treatment/meetings on a regular basis. These often include both individual counseling and group support.

Family support groups – Families of compulsive gamblers learn how to support the gambler-in-recovery.

Inpatient rehabilitation – Costly but often effective, addiction treatment centers specialize in helping individuals break destructive dependencies.

Make a Change 

Get the facts, look at the risks to yourself and others, and make a plan. Get involved in activities with your family and friends. Get physical exercise. Change begins with information and acknowledgement. It might not be easy at first, but it can be done.

Sources: 

1. About problem gambling. National Council on Problem Gambling.

2. Gambling Addiction. Illinois Institute for Addict Recovery.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis of specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt professional medical attention if you have a particular concern about your health or specific symptoms.