Gambling Addiction

Emily Newman is a CalGETS outpatient provider with specialized training in the treatment of problem gamblers and their families use specific diagnostic tools to determine the extent and severity of the problem. The licensed therapist creates a therapeutic relationship to help each client succeed using proven strategies that motivate the client to change, identify distortions and feelings about gambling, identify gambling triggers, and prevent relapsing into destructive behaviors. The specific types of treatment provided to problem and pathological gamblers will be a combination of state-provided treatment materials, knowledge and skills acquired from the trainings, and techniques from the therapist’s own orientation and clinical experience. Free treatment is provided for up to 6 weeks (8 sessions) , after which the therapist and client develop additional resources and/or payment plan.

What is Gambling Addiction?

Problem gambling is a psychiatric disorder defined as continuing to gamble despite harmful consequences. Consequences include debt, bankruptcy, crime, family conflict, suicide, divorce, domestic violence, and work-related problems. Gambling disorder can cause or worse other psychiatric disorders such as drug and alcohol addiction, depression, and anxiety. There are genetic, psychological, and social risk factors in a problem gambler. Nearly 4-5% of the population are problem gamblers. Popular forms of gambling include casino games, card rooms, slots, video poker, internet gambling, lottery, horse racing, betting on sports teams, and the stock market. It is also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling, gambling disorder, or problem gambling.

Signs and symptoms of gambling addiction include:

· Being occupied with gambling
· Lying
· Gambling with more and more money
· Borrowing money
· Wanting to stop gambling but not being able to stop
· Losing life opportunities
· Gambling to escape from life

Additional resources include:

Gamblers Anonymous- www. gamblersanonymous .org
Gam Anon (help for spouses, family members, and close friends) - www.gam-anon.org
Smart Recovery- www.smartrecovery.org/