10 Questions About Gambling Behavior
1. You have often gambled longer than you had planned.
2. You have often gambled until your last dollar was gone.
3. Thoughts of gambling have caused you to lose sleep.
4. You have used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid.
5. You have made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling.
6. You have broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance your gambling.
7. You have borrowed money to finance your gambling.
8. You have felt depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses.
9. You have been remorseful after gambling.
10. You have gambled to get money to meet your financial obligations.
If you or someone you know answers “Yes” to any of these questions, consider seeking assistance from a professional regarding this gambling behavior by calling the National Problem Gambling HelpLine Network (800.522.4700) toll free and confidential throughout the U.S.
From the National Council of Problem Gambling.
The following text is from this website: http://www.evergreencpg.org/pages/treatment.php
Help is Available for Problem Gamblers
Problem gambling (addiction) is a complex health issue that often requires treatment, counseling and support. If you cannot walk away when you’ve reached your limit, or if you find yourself pre-occupied with thoughts of gambling or in conflict with others because of your compulsive gambling activity, call Washington State’s Problem Gambling Helpline for assistance: 1.800.547.6133. You are not alone. Treatment is available and effective. If you are a family member, friend, or employer of a Problem Gambler, help is available for you, too.
- Gamble only if it’s fun
- Set a dollar limit and stick to it
- Accept losing as part of the game
- Don’t borrow money to gamble
- Don’t let gambling interfere with family, friends, or work
- Don’t gamble to pay back losses
- Don’t gamble as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain
If gambling becomes a source of stress, take a break. STOP playing. If you cannot stop, seek help. Call the 24-hour Helpline for assistance in finding treatment for your gambling problem. Other resources:
