Signs & Symptoms

  • How much time is spent gambling
  • Increase in gambling time and places
  • Increase in size of bets (sudden and dramatic)
  • Working up special occasions for gambling (canceling other plans)
  • Intensity of interest in gambling (constant tension & excitement)
  • Boasting about winning; evasive about losing
  • Exaggerated display of money and other possessions
  • Gambling when there is a crisis
  • Drop off in other activities
  • Frequent absences from home and work
  • Excessive phone use
  • Withdrawal from family
  • Personality changes (increased irritability/hostility)
  • Diversion of family funds

Resources

National Council on Problem Gambling
http://www.ncpgambling.org

Louisiana Office for Addictive Disorders
http://www.dhh.state.la.us/oada/index.htm

Gambler's Anonymous
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

GamAnon (Help for Families and Friends)
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/gamanon.html

GamAnon Website
http://www.gam-anon.org

What is Compulsive Gambling?
www.centerofrecovery.org/what_is.cfm