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Questions and Answers about Problem Gambling
What is problem gambling? Problem gambling includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family or vocational activities. The essential features are increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop “chasing” losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting serious negative consequences. In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career, loss of family, or even suicide. Isn’t problem gambling just a financial problem? No. Problem gambling is an addiction that has financial consequences. If you pay all of a problem gambler’s debts, the person will still be a problem gambler. The real problem is that they have an uncontrollable obsession with gambling. Isn’t problem gambling really the result of irresponsible or weak willed people? No. Many people who develop problems are viewed as responsible and strong people by their families and communities. The cause of a gambling problem may be due in part to a person’s genetic tendency to develop addiction. Stress, grief, life changes such as retirement, illness, and even certain medications my create vulnerability to a gambling addiction. Once gambling addiction begins, the gambling alters the person’s mood and the gambler keeps repeating the behavior is the attempt to achieve the same effect. |
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Can you be a problem gambler if you don’t gamble every day? Yes. The frequency of a person’s gambling does not determine whether or not they have a gambling problem. Even though the gambler may only go on periodic gambling binges, the emotional, financial, and family consequences will still be evident in the gambler’s life. Is there hope for recovery from problem gambling? Yes. Many thousands of problem gamblers have regained control of their lives. Relief from a gambling problem is often as simple as asking for help from professionals who understand the hope and promise of recovery. Triumph Treatment Services offers the following services for problem gamblers and their families: - Free consultations - Individualized treatment plans - Weekly group therapy sessions
For more information, cal Jack Myers (509)-248-1800 Extension 122 Triumph Treatment Services 102 S. Naches Ave. Yakima, WA 98901 |
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