Don't Ignore The Signs
Lying, hiding, and guilt are all signs related to human behaviors. Anxiety, depression and mood swings are all symptoms of an addiction. These signs and symptoms could identify an individual with a substance use disorder or an eating disorder. Add debt and financial devastation, and these signs and symptoms are all related to gambling disorder. Often referred to as the "hidden disease", problem gambling is not commonly thought about when discussing reasons for anxiety or depression. The California Department of Public Health's Office of Problem Gambling asks that you "Don't ignore the signs".
Have you or loved one ever lost money gambling, only to return to a casino or card room the next day to try to win it all back? Have you tried to chase your losses? Have you ever missed work to gamble? Have you ever lied to someone about how often you gamble or how much money you spend gambling? Are you or your loved one irritable when not gambling? Do you plan vacations that center around gambling? Did you know that problem gamblers will go to great lengths to hide or deny their gambling, often withdrawing from family and friends? These are all signs of problem gambling behavior. Don't ignore the signs.
Most adults are able to gamble responsibly. However those who cannot control their gambling often experience negative impact to themselves and their family. Problem gambling is an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences or a desire to stop. Problem gambling does not discriminate - it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, income or even type of gambling. Don't ignore the signs.
You are not alone - there is hope and help. Did you know that approximately one million California adults experience significant problems related to gambling? Problem gambling can destroy financial stability, trust, employment, families and lives. Often, both the gambler and their loved ones show signs of hopelessness, shame and despair. Don't ignore the signs.
Overwhelming debt, substance abuse, unemployment and divorce are all signs of problem gambling. The first step toward help is recognizing the signs of problem gambling. There are several FREE and confidential options in California to assist individuals and their loved ones who are negatively affected by problem gambling behavior through a program called CalGETS (California Gambling Education and Treatment Services).
To date, more than 7,500 California residents have received FREE counseling sessions. Of those, 90 percent reported a reduction in issues related to problem gambling. In addition, clients who received more sessions showed more improvements in their quality of life and reduced the negative impact of gambling on their life.
Don't ignore the signs. Problem gambling is treatable. Help is only a click or a call away. CalGETS is available for both the gambler and affected individual. If you think you or a loved one could have a gambling problem there is HOPE and FREE Help. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2327) or go to www.problemgambling.ca.gov
