Gambling can include betting on sporting events, playing on-line or video poker, playing cards, betting on games of skill, buying lottery tickets and many other activities.
Some people can gamble occasionally without it affecting their lives seriously, but many can't. A recent study estimates that three quarters of a million young adults in the United States engage in problem gambling. Closer to home, a study by the Texas Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling found that teenagers and young adults are at much greater risk for developing serious gambling problems than are adults.
Gambling addiction is a disease, similar to alcohol addiction, in that gamblers often lose control over their behavior and face serious consequences. For many people, gambling problems may increase in severity gradually. Over time, gambling may:
According to the Texas Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling, "problem gambling" is an early stage of the disease, characterized by personal and relationship problems related to gambling. "Compulsive gambling" is the advanced stage and involves behavior that is out of control.
If you think a friend has a gambling problem, show your concern. Don't avoid the topic. Do avoid lectures and verbal attacks. Don't continue the conversation if you begin to feel impatient or angry. You may encounter defensiveness and denial. Don't take this personally, but make it clear you're concerned and tell the person how his or her gambling behavior affects you. You may have to set limits with the person. Don't be persuaded into excusing, justifying, overlooking, enabling or participating in the person's self-defeating behaviors. Helping a friend pay a debt may seem to temporarily alleviate the problem, but it can actually perpetuate the problem by contributing to a feeling of invincibility that some gamblers develop.
If the person agrees that he or she has a problem, try to:
Gamblers Anonymous International (GA)
UT's Counseling & Mental Health Center (CMHC)
Helpguide.org
Born to Lose: Memoirs of a Compulsive Gambler by Bill Lee
Gam-Anon.org
Your First Step To Change
How to tell if gambling is a problem - Twenty Questions
Adapted from Gamblers Anonymous "20 Questions"
Alternatives to gambling
For many people, anxiety, depression, or other emotions can trigger gambling urges. Gambling may seem like an easy or fun way to relieve stress, but there are many alternatives that are not associated with negative consequences. Exercise, deep breathing, and meditation can all be helpful in managing these feelings. Relaxation exercises are another great way to lessen anxiety.
What if a friend has a gambling problem?
One of the hardest things about helping people with gambling problems is that they are very likely to deny they have any problem even when it's obvious to people around them. "It's no problem for me. I can quit any time I want." "It's not a big deal. I can cover my debts." "When I'm hot, I win back even more than I've lost." "My friends all bet on college football--it's just for fun."
Where can I find help?
National Council on Problem Gambling:
24-hour Confidential National Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
ncpg@ncpgambling.org
Consult this site for a list of meetings worldwide. Contact them at 213-386-8789 for more information.
The Austin Chapter of GA will be able to tell you where and when meetings are held locally: 512-860-2958.
Where can I find help?
Call 512-471-3515 for information on setting up an appointment with a counselor.
CMHC also offers the CMHC Crisis Line: dial 512-471-CALL for a telephone counselor.
Other resources
A website with additional information on problem and compulsive gambling.
The compelling autobiography of a man who struggled with gambling in many forms before learning to understand his addiction.
A website with information on a twelve-step program for problem gamblers' spouses, family members, or close friends.
Your First Step to Change is an interactive website to help you gauge the impacts of gambling behavior and consider how to change it.