Around 3 out of 100 people have gambling problems. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and recovering from a gambling problem is possible. The first step though is identifying that a problem exists.
HealthStreet is partnering with the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance to raise awareness about gambling disorder around the community of Gainesville on March 10th. Join us at the following locations to learn more about gambling disorder and to find out about HealthStreet services.
- St. Francis Pet Clinic from 8:30 am to 11:30 am
- UF-Reitz Union from 11 am to 1 pm
- Santa Fe College from 12 pm to 2:30 pm
- Senior Center from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
- Grace MarketPlace from 3 pm to 5 pm
- Walmart off Waldo Rd from 3 pm to 5 pm
- Depot Park/Rosa Park Bus Station from 3:30 pm to 6 pm
- Bo Diddley Plaza from 3:30 pm to 6 pm
- Celebration Pointe from 5 pm to 7 pm
When you think about gambling, you might imagine a person sitting at a table or slot machine in a casino, but there are a variety of ways to gamble, some of which may come as a surprise. These include:
- Buying lottery tickets or scratch-offs;
- Betting on games like bingo, cards, mah-jong or dominoes;
- Betting on sports or racing events;
- Betting on games of skill, such as golf or pool;
- Gambling in online games or betting on e-sports; or
- High-risk speculative investing, such as day-trading and penny stocks.
While there are varying degrees of addiction, if you experience at least four of the following symptoms, you most likely meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for gambling disorder.
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to feel excited;
- Feeling irritable or agitated when trying to cut down on or stop gambling;
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down on or stop gambling;
- Often preoccupied with thoughts of gambling, including reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling event, or thinking of ways to get money for gambling;
- Using gambling to cope with negative feelings such as anxiety, depression or helplessness;
- Lying to conceal gambling habits;
- Gambling habits having a negative impact on a relationship, job or schooling; or
- Needing the help of others to cover finances for gambling.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling disorder, there are resources available to help overcome the addiction. It’s important to remember that managing addictions takes time and patience and you don’t have to do it alone.
Get Help:
Florida Recovery Center
- Call 855-265-4372
Meridian
- Crisis line available 24/7 352-374-5600
National Council on Problem Gambling
- Call or text 1-800-522-4700
- Chat ncpgambling.org/chat
Gamblers Anonymous
- Call 855-222-5542
Resources:
National Council on Problem Gambling
Your First Step to Change, 2nd Edition e-book
Personal Financial Strategies for the Loved Ones of Problem Gamblers e-book