Gambling Problems #4 – Resources for Help

Find help for yourself or a loved one at one of these sources.

 

Problem Gambling can affect anyone.  Addictions, including addiction to gambling, can strike no matter the person’s amount of education, kind of job, or cultural background.  Here are some FREE resources to help you address gambling problems.

• 1-800-GAMBLER

•  The California Office of Problem Gambling at www.problemgambling.ca.gov

• The California Council on Problem Gambling at www.caproblemgambling.org

• The California Lottery HelpLine at 1-888-277-3115 or www.calottery.com/playresponsibly

• Gamblers Anonymous (12 step self-help groups) at www.gamblersanonymous.org 

Don’t let a gambling problem derail your future or the future of someone you care about.  Seek help, and contact a qualified therapist to assist you in discovering and resolving the underlying issues.

 

Quotes for Intentional Living – 8/28/10

Quote for Intentional Living

 Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Gambling Problems #3 – young gamblers

Gambling is an attractive activity for many youth.

The State of California Office of Problem Gambling reports that between 10% and 15% of teenagers may have a gambling problem!  They are growing up in a society where many forms of gambling are legal and where adults around them regularly engage in gambling.  Ironically the State lottery games may be one of the more insidious messages that make gambling common place. 

Forms of gambling that are available to teens include:

• Some internet gambling games

• Private bets on sporting events

• Raffles

• Card and dice games

Parents, other family members and teachers should be aware of the following indicators of possible problem gambling – or others significant problems – developing in the teens around them.

• Unexplained absences from school

• Sudden drop in grades

• Change in personality such as increased impatience or sarcasm

• Possession of unexplained money

• Unusual interest in newspapers or in magazines about sports, fantasy sports or poker

• Inclusion of gambling language in their conversations

• Stealing from the household

Interested adults can help teens avoid gambling problems by helping them to understand the risks and to stong social and critical thinking skills.  Their attitudes about gambling activities should be guided to help them understand and control risk-taking behavior.  And of course adults should set a good example.

You can get more information at 1-800-GAMBLE or 

www.problemgambling.ca.gov

Quotes for Intentional Living – 8/21/10

Quote for Intentional Living

A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.

 

Hugh Downs

R.I.P.

Sometimes there’s an amazing synchronicity among the clients in my practice.  And sometimes the synchronicity that so suddenly appears is sad and disturbing. 

Recently I had therapy sessions a number of people, none known to the others, who had suffered the death of a loved one.  Some deaths were the natural conclusion to a life well-lived, while a few were due to sudden and senseless violence.  One client tearfully shared with me memories of her mom, and the next day a father shared this memorial poem for his son.  I’m now sharing it with, and for everyone. 

       I’M FREE

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the path laid out for me

I took the hand when I heard the call

I turned my back and left it all

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work or play

Tasks left undone must stay that way

If my parting has left a void

Fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss

Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Perhaps my time seems all to brief

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

                                               Lift up your heart and share with me

                                                   I’m at peace,

and I am free.

 My clients had not yet found peace, and each one needed a place to let tears and memories freely flow.  This is always such a  difficult and precious time to spend with someone, and a privilege beyond measure.

Rest In Peace:  All those who were lost

Live Peacefully:  All those who are left. 

Quotes for Intentional Living- 8/14/10

Quote for Intentional Living

You will never be happier than you expect. To change your happiness, change your expectation.

Bette Davis

Gambling Problems #2

Low-Risk Gambling requires awareness and discipline.

Low-risk gamblers, people who are able to gamble without it becoming an addictive problem, tend to use gambling mainly as a form of entertainment.  When they win it’s an exciting surprise, and when they lose it’s seen as equivalent to the cost of other fun outings such as movies, dinner or a day at the spa. 

Most importantly, what distinguishes low-risk gamblers from problem gamblers is that they understand that they will lose money if they gamble long enough.

If you want to maintain safety in your gambling behavior, follow these critical guidelines:

• Decide on a loss limit ahead of time and stick to it.

• Never borrow money to gamble.

• Set a time limit on how long you will gamble even if you’re winning.

• Take frequent breaks.

• Balance your gambling outings with other activities.

• Only gamble with money set aside for entertainment and NEVER with money needed for living expenses or targeted savings (such money saved for education, housing, medical care or retirement).

These tips and additional information on problem gambling is available from the State of California Office of Problem Gambling. 

If you or someone close you think you may need help with your gambling behavior, call a qualified therapist to begin exploring ways to curb your addiction.

Call 1-800-GAMBLER for more information about problem gambling.

 

Quotes for Intentional Living-8/07/10

Quote for Intentional Living

 

Happiness… is not a destination: it is a manner of traveling.

Happiness is not an end in itself. It is a by-product of working, playing, loving and living.

 Haim Ginott.

 

Gambling Problems #1.

Problem Gambling is not something that stays in Vegas!

 The State of California recently launched an intensive training program to assist mental health professionals in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective treatment to people who gamble excessively and who experience detrimental outcomes. 

Data shows that anyone can develop a problem with gambling.  The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that one of every five college students who plays poker regularly will develop an addiction!  Gambling addictions have been found among people from all backgrounds and walks-of-life, including high school students as well as blue-collar and white-collar workers.  No occupations are exempt from developing a gambling problem.  There are grocers, electricians, educators and mental health professionals who sometimes gamble to excess. 

 A few warning signs of Problem Gambling include:

• Gambling to forget problems or worries.

• Having blocks of time that are unaccounted for.

• Lying about gambling outings.

• Being angry when asked about mysterious spending.

• Frequent out-of-town trips.

• Taking trips with open-ended returns (to account for possible winning or losing streaks).

• Making bets with money needed for basic life needs such as rent, mortgage or retirement.

 

Some people can engage in low-risk gambling without developing a problem.  Low-risk gamblers are always gambling for fun and never to make money. 

Problem gambling is an addiction, just like alcohol addiction and should be treated by a professional.  The consequences of not addressing a problem with gambling can be severe, and may include the loss of spouses, houses and life savings.

If you think you may have a gambling problem, or if someone close to you thinks so, find out how to develop the self-control you need to break your addictive habit. 

Don’t leave your future to the roll of the dice.  Contact a therapist today.