How to Recognize
a Gambling Addiction
National Problem Gambler's Awareness Week March 6-13
Are you a problem gambler,
or do you live with one? March 6-13 marks National Problem Gambler's
Awareness Week in Minnesota to create greater awareness about problem
gambling and resources available to help people recover.
According to the Random
House dictionary, gambling occurs when we risk money or something of value
on an uncertain outcome. Most people gamble in one form or another, from a
real estate or stock market investment, to a sports pool or game of bingo.
When does someone become a
problem gambler? Barb Kuhlman, a counselor with Lutheran Social Service,
who also specializes in gambling treatment, says that a problem may exist
if a person says "yes" to one or both of the following questions:
Nationwide, there are an
estimated two million pathological gamblers and another four-to-eight
million problem gamblers. What are some of the warning signs? Kuhlman
offers these examples:
-
Increasing frequency of
gambling activity, and amount of money gambled
-
Excessive time gambling at
the expense of job or family time
-
Preoccupation with gambling
or obtaining money to gamble
-
Gambling despite negative
consequences, such as large losses, financial problems, absence from work,
or family problems caused by gambling
-
Gambling as an escape from
feelings of loneliness, anger, stress, or depression
Kuhlman said that
researchers tie gambling addiction to the brain and that some people may
be more susceptible to addiction than others. Reinforcement that a gambler
receives from winning intermittently can also be a powerful motivation.
"Some problem gamblers say
that they don't gamble for the money, it's the high they receive from
winning," Kuhlman said. "But later on, it's the financial losses that
cause compulsive gamblers to spiral into despair, hopelessness and,
sometimes, illegal activity and suicidal thoughts and actions."
Kuhlman said that there is
always hope for recovery. For more information, contact the Minnesota
Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-437-3641 or the Minnesota Department of
Human Services at 651-582-1819.
Lutheran Social Service also
offers individual, couple, and family counseling at over 20 offices
statewide. Many counselors are specially trained in areas of expertise
such as healthy relationships, addictions, individual and family wellness,
grief and loss, depression, and child therapy. For more information, call
1.888.881.8261.
