gambling problem | Tools for Intentional Living - Dr. J. Nickens

Posts Tagged 'gambling problem'

GAMBLING 1: are you going bust?

Published April 30, 2012 Mental Health Issues , Addictions Leave a Comment
Tags: gambling, gambling problem, problem gambling, addicted to gambling, gambling addiction, like to gamble

Are you, or someone you know, gambling away the future?

Many people gamble a little and do so with discretion and responsible limits. But some people do have a problem, and even more are on the edge of developing a problem with limiting and controlling their gambling.

Here are some warning signs:

Needing to gamble larger and larger amounts to maintain the thrill.
Blocks of time that are unaccounted for.
Mood swings based on winning or losing .
Using retirement funds or life insurance to finance gambling.

Some states, including California, sponsor a specialized Problem Gambling program. The California version provides free counseling with specially trained therapists.

Just contact the California Office of Problem Gambling (1-800-426-2537) or in another state contact the State Dept of Mental Health for a referral.

Get help today, for yourself or for someone else.

Gambling Problems #4 – Resources for Help

Published August 31, 2010 Addictions 1 Comment
Tags: addicted to gambling, excess gambling, gambling, gambling problem, problem gambling, problem with gambling, teen gambling

Find help for yourself or a loved one at one of these sources.

Problem Gambling can affect anyone. Addictions, including addiction to gambling, can strike no matter the person’s amount of education, kind of job, or cultural background. Here are some FREE resources to help you address gambling problems.

1-800-GAMBLER
The California Office of Problem Gambling at www.problemgambling.ca.gov
The California Council on Problem Gambling at www.caproblemgambling.org
The California Lottery HelpLine at 1-888-277-3115 or www.calottery.com/playresponsibly
Gamblers Anonymous (12 step self-help groups) at www.gamblersanonymous.org

Don’t let a gambling problem derail your future or the future of someone you care about. Seek help, and contact a qualified therapist to assist you in discovering and resolving the underlying issues.

Gambling Problems #3 – young gamblers

Published August 24, 2010 Addictions Leave a Comment
Tags: addicted to gambling, excess gambling, gambling, gambling problem, problem gambling, teen gambling, youth gambling

Gambling is an attractive activity for many youth.

The State of California Office of Problem Gambling reports that between 10% and 15% of teenagers may have a gambling problem! They are growing up in a society where many forms of gambling are legal and where adults around them regularly engage in gambling. Ironically the State lottery games may be one of the more insidious messages that make gambling common place.

Forms of gambling that are available to teens include:

Some internet gambling games
Private bets on sporting events
Raffles
Card and dice games

Parents, other family members and teachers should be aware of the following indicators of possible problem gambling – or others significant problems – developing in the teens around them.

Unexplained absences from school
Sudden drop in grades
Change in personality such as increased impatience or sarcasm
Possession of unexplained money
Unusual interest in newspapers or in magazines about sports, fantasy sports or poker
Inclusion of gambling language in their conversations
Stealing from the household

Interested adults can help teens avoid gambling problems by helping them to understand the risks and to stong social and critical thinking skills. Their attitudes about gambling activities should be guided to help them understand and control risk-taking behavior. And of course adults should set a good example.

You can get more information at 1-800-GAMBLE or

www.problemgambling.ca.gov

Gambling Problems #1.

Published August 3, 2010 Addictions Leave a Comment
Tags: addictiions, excess gambling, gambling, gambling problem, poker problem

Problem Gambling is not something that stays in Vegas!

The State of California recently launched an intensive training program to assist mental health professionals in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective treatment to people who gamble excessively and who experience detrimental outcomes.

Data shows that anyone can develop a problem with gambling. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that one of every five college students who plays poker regularly will develop an addiction! Gambling addictions have been found among people from all backgrounds and walks-of-life, including high school students as well as blue-collar and white-collar workers. No occupations are exempt from developing a gambling problem. There are grocers, electricians, educators and mental health professionals who sometimes gamble to excess.

A few warning signs of Problem Gambling include:

Gambling to forget problems or worries.
Having blocks of time that are unaccounted for.
Lying about gambling outings.
Being angry when asked about mysterious spending.
Frequent out-of-town trips.
Taking trips with open-ended returns (to account for possible winning or losing streaks).
Making bets with money needed for basic life needs such as rent, mortgage or retirement.

Some people can engage in low-risk gambling without developing a problem. Low-risk gamblers are always gambling for fun and never to make money.

Problem gambling is an addiction, just like alcohol addiction and should be treated by a professional. The consequences of not addressing a problem with gambling can be severe, and may include the loss of spouses, houses and life savings.

If you think you may have a gambling problem, or if someone close to you thinks so, find out how to develop the self-control you need to break your addictive habit.

Don’t leave your future to the roll of the dice. Contact a therapist today.

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