Gambling Problem?
Recognizing you have a gambling problem is one of the first steps in controlling your addiction. There are many support groups and organizations that will provide you with help that you need to regain control of your life. Gambling as an addiction can lead to serious consequences and when left untreated can ruin your finances, family, social and work relationships. We encourage those that recognize they have a gambling problem to seek help. The National Council of Problem Gambling refers to problem gambling as a behavioural condition, characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling.
Who is Affected?
A growing number of the adult population (currently inflicts 15 million Americans (approx 6%)). will experience a serious problem with gambling sometime in their lifes that will result in a significant debt, family disruption or job loss and can even lead to criminal activity or suicide.With the introduction of gaming over the internet, resisting the urge to gamble is going to be a lot harder, newly acquired access to gambling from the comfort of their own living room.
Symptoms that you may have an gambling problem is a need to bet more and more money on a more frequent basis, chasing losses, loss of control in the face of continuing, mounting debt and bursts of anger or irritability when attempting to stop.
Some signs of problem gambling:
- Constantly thinking about and preparing for gambling sessions
- Gambling more often and playing higher stakes to "win back" lost money
- Gambling during working hours
- Gambling to escape from stress and pressure in your daily life
- Getting into debt from gambling and lying to borrow money to gamble
- Commiting a illegal act to finance gambling
- Neglecting family and other responsibilities
Organisations That Provide Assistance
Here are some of the recognized organizations that can assist you in beating your gambling addiction:-- Gamblers Anonymous - helping problem gamblers since 1957.
- 1-800-GAMBLER, USA
- 1-800-522-4700, USA
- 0845 6000 133 UK