Are you a gambling addict

Gambling Quiz

• Have you spent more time gambling than planned? • Do you sometimes gamble by yourself as opposed to only doing so when out with your friends? • Is gambling a primary form of socialization? • Have you ever ‘accidentally’ gambled away all your money? • Do you tend to set strict limits on the amount that you will gamble? • Are you able to adhere to your strict limits on how much you will gamble? • How much are you affected by your wins and losses? • Over the course of the last few months, have your bets become larger ? • Have you ever gambled as a way to feel better? • Do you feel bored when you are not gambling? • After gambling, how frequently do you feel remorseful? • How frequently do thoughts of gambling disrupted your concentration or sleep? • Do you gamble to win back losses? • Have you gambled using your credit card, bank loans etc.? • Have you gamble with money that was already spoken for - meaning, the money was supposed to pay your bills (e.g. electric bill, child support, rent etc). • Are you unable to stop gambling? • Have you thought about stealing money from friends, family, professional colleagues, stores or work? • Have you taken money that wasn’t really yours to take? • Are you depressed, sad, lonely, feeling guilty or have you ever had suicidal thoughts? • Have you omitted information about your gambling habits to friends, family or co-workers? • Have you minimized the amount that you gamble or think about gambling to friends, family or co-workers? • Is your gambling habit a secret? Do you minimize the amount and / or frequency that you gamble? • Have you ever gambled as a way to quickly earn money to meet your financial obligations?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions than you may have a gambling problem. We strongly encourage you to seek help. An outsiders opinion can help you determine the severity of the issue (self-help books, self-help groups, friends and families and professional help). Gambling Addictions, left untreated are a progressive disease that can deplete your savings, ruin relationships and cost you more than you had to give. Help is available. You do not have to do it alone.

by "Alex" Caroline Robboy, CAS, MSW, ACSW, LCSW