RUBICON Family Counseling Services -- Time well spent

What is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling is defined as any gambling behavior that disrupts or negatively impacts other areas of an individual's life. It is an emotional disorder that affects over two million people in the United States.

And, much the same as substance abusers build tolerances to alcohol and other drugs, problem gamblers find they must gamble more and more to experience the same emotional satisfaction.

To find out if you or someone you love is at risk, take this simple test:

Yes No   Have you often gambled longer than you planned?
Yes No   Have you often gambled until your last dollar was gone?
Yes No   Have thoughts of gambling ever caused you to lose sleep?
Yes No   Have you used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?
Yes No   Have you made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling?
Yes No   Have you broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance your gambling?
Yes No   Have you borrowed money to finance your gambling?
Yes No   Have you gambled to get money to meet your financial obligations?
Yes No   Have you felt depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses?
Yes No   After losing, do you feel you must try and win back your losses as soon as possible?
Yes No   Have you been remorseful after gambling?
Yes No   Have you ever stayed away from work, college, or school to gamble?
Yes No   Have you ever lied to cover up the amount of money or time you spent gambling?
Yes No   Have others ever criticized your gambling?
Yes No   Do arguments, frustrations or disappointments make you want to gamble?
Yes No   Have you lost interest in your family, friends or other activities?