Gambling Problems: Finding Help for Gambling Addictions
"I think I might be a compulsive gambler. Now what do I do?" If this is a question running through your head, you are not alone. Nearly 7 million people, or 2% of the adult population of Canada and the United States, gamble to the point of neglecting their responsibilities of career, friends and family. Making the decision to quit or cut back on your gambling shows great courage.
By looking for help in controlling this obsessive behavior, you have taken the first step toward a happier, healthier lifestyle. If you find yourself gambling to the point of a lack of control, don't let this discourage you; this doesn't mean you will never be able to stop. It simply means that you will need to find friends, family and coping mechanisms to help you get from where you are now to where you want to be - in control of your gambling, instead of gambling being in control of you.
Defining Problem Gambling
Although most people who engage in gambling do not have a problem with it, there are some that find the enticement of free money too seductive to ignore. There is no definitive social demographic for problem gamblers. The issue crosses all ethnic, age, social, gender and economic classifications. Although there are some people such as the newly retired, widowed or terminally ill who are more susceptible to addictive gambling than others, anyone can be affected. In order for gamblers, and those who love them, to understand where the line is drawn between compulsive gambling and casual gaming, you must first identify the characteristics and warning signs of problem gambling.
Problem gamblers will either bet high amounts on many different varieties of gambling simultaneously, or focus high dollar values on one particular game more often and without deviation. Problem gamblers are likely to spend more time gambling and are not distracted from gambling easily. Frequently, those addicted to gambling have criminal records, a history of depression, experience financial difficulties in their business and at home, and feel they have been rejected by social groups, family members or a spouse.
Gambling Problem Warning Signs
Some common signs of problematic gambling are an increased focus on gambling and an increased frequency of language that includes phrases such as, "wanna bet?" and "I'll take that bet." Those with a real problem will have difficulty leaving the gaming table even though they promise over and over again that this hand is their last; whether they are winning or losing.
Irritability, deceit, indebtedness, habitually missing work or school and excessive alcohol and drug use often infiltrate the behavior and personality of someone with a gambling problem. Quite often, individuals with a gambling problem are convinced that if they just "let it ride" all losses will be forgiven and a winning streak will be their reward.
If you notice any of these behavior trends in you or someone you care about, talk about it; get the issue out in the open. Sometimes, the hardest habits to overcome can be dealt with more effectively with a supportive network of family and friends. Also, giving yourself permission to be less than perfect can often pave the way for accepting help from others and create a new, gentler reality that doesn't include addictive behaviors. It is a good idea to have someone on standby that you can call regardless of the time to gain support in those moments of insecurity.
Techniques for Problem Gambling Assistance
- It can be difficult to avoid the urge to gamble, but if you try some of these techniques, you may discover a coping mechanism that serves you well.
- Avoid the environment and circumstances you visit where gambling may cause a problem. Just as with any other addictive behavior, avoidance, although not always simple, is often the most effective technique for combating gambling dependency.
- Spend less time with friends who gamble. Instead, socialize with those who support your decision to quit gambling. This will reduce your impulse to blow off steam by gambling.
- Carry only the amount of cash that you will need in a given day, and leave all but one emergency credit or debit card at home to curb the gambling impulse.
- Treat yourself to something small but meaningful when you notice that you've successfully avoided gambling; this may be lunch at a favorite restaurant, a gift for a friend, or music CD by a favorite artist. Rewarding yourself for changing your behavior with something tangible will entice you to continue the avoidance of gambling.
- Spend time with old hobbies or activities that have gone missing from your life since beginning to gamble; perhaps a new book, dinner with friends or adopting a dog will help to refocus your energies away from gambling.
Problem Gambling Support Networks
With concentrated effort, the support of family and friends and the security of new coping mechanisms to foster success, compulsive gambling can be overcome. However, if you feel that you need added support, or are a friend or family member of someone with a gambling problem, the following organizations may give you the additional information you need:
Gamblers Anonymous Australia
www.gamblersanonymous.org.au
Gamblers Anonymous (US)
www.gamblersanonymous.org
Canadian Foundation on Compulsive Gambling (Ontario)
www.responsiblegambling.org
Gamblers Anonymous (UK)
www.gamblersanonymous.co.uk
