Do You or Someone You Care About Have a Gambling Problem?
Americans love to
gamble, and many can walk away after they’ve spent their allotted
amount of money. However, compulsive gambling is another story. Compulsive
gambling is a progressive disease, and can bring financial and emotional
devastation to the gambler and his or her loved ones. 
It is estimated that about 11 million adults nationwide have a gambling problem. To help determine whether you or a loved one has a problem with gambling, take the test* below. Please answer “Yes” or “No” to the questions.
- Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
- Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
- Did gambling affect your reputation?
- Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
- Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
- Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
- After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
- After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
- Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
- Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
- Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
- Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
- Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
- Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
- Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
- Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
- Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
- Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
- Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
- Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?
How to interpret the results: If you or your loved one answered “Yes” to seven or more of the above questions, chances are you or they are a compulsive gambler.
The Employee Assistance Program has helped people effectively treat their compulsive gambling addiction. We urge you to call the EAP. There are many programs out there, even for people who do not have health insurance. Help is just a phone call away. We’re here when you are ready. You need to take the first step.
Call the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-888-5105.
* Reprinted with permission by Gamblers Anonymous.
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