How to know when gambling becomes a problem and where to seek help

Gambling can be a lot of fun for most people, according to the Virginia Department of Behavorial Health & Developmental Services."They set a budget, and enjoy the time that passes while they spend it. There's more to gambling than the money," the department's website states. "For many, gambling is seen as a form of entertainment where any money they happen to win is a bonus.But for some, according to the Mayo Clinic, "Gambling can stimulate the brain's reward system much like drugs or alcohol can, leading to addiction."The Virginia Lottery and the Tennessee Lottery each offer "Play Responsibly" programs aimed at helping players avoid addiction, how to recognize problem gambling, and where to find help if you think you have a problem.From the Virginia Lottery's website:Q: What is problem gambling?A: Problem gambling includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. The essential features are increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences. In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even suicide.Q: What causes problem gambling?A: The cause of a gambling problem is the individual's inability to control the gambling. This may be due in part to a genetic tendency to develop addiction, one's ability to cope with normal life stress and even one's social upbringing and moral attitudes about gambling. The casino or lottery provides the opportunity for the person to gamble. It does not, in and of itself, create the problem any more than a liquor store would create an alcoholic.Q: How much money do you have to lose to have a gambling problem?A: The amount of money lost or won does not determine when gambling becomes a problem. Gambling becomes a problem when it causes a negative impact on any area of the individual's life.Q: How widespread is problem gambling in the U.S.?A: Two million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet the criteria for pathological gambling in a given year. Another 4 million to 8 million (2% — 3%) would be considered problem gamblers: They do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling, but they meet one or more of the criteria and are experiencing problems due to their gambling behavior. Research also indicates that most adults who choose to gamble are able to do so responsibly.If you answer yes to at least four of the following symptoms in a 12-month period you may have a Gambling Problem.• Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement.• Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.• Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.• Is often preoccupied with gambling (e.g., having persistent thoughts of reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble).• Often gambles when feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).• After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even ("chasing" one's losses).• Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.• Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, education, or career opportunity because of gambling.• Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.Source: Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & DevelopmentAccording to the Mayo Clinic's website: " ...most people who play cards or wager never develop a gambling problem," but certain factors are more often associated with compulsive gambling:• Mental health issues — People who gamble compulsively often have substance misuse problems, personality disorders, depression or anxiety. Compulsive gambling may also be associated with bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).• Age — Compulsive gambling is more common in younger and middle-aged people. Gambling during childhood or the teenage years increases the risk of developing compulsive gambling. But compulsive gambling in the older adult population can also be a problem.• Gender — Compulsive gambling is more common in men than women. Women who gamble typically start later in life and may become addicted more quickly. But gambling patterns among men and women have become increasingly similar.• Family or friend influence — If your family members or friends have a gambling problem, the chances are greater that you will, too.• Medications used to treat Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome. Drugs called dopamine agonists have a rare side effect that may result in compulsive behaviors, including gambling, in some people.• Certain personality characteristics — Being highly competitive, a workaholic, impulsive, restless or easily bored may increase your risk of compulsive gambling.Source: The Mayo ClinicVirginia Problem Gambling Help Line: 1-888-532-3500'Tennessee's 24-hour Redline: 1-800-889-9789.Gamblers Anonymous (www.gamblersanonymous.org)Gam-Anon (www.gam-anon.org) is for the spouse, family or close friends of a problem gambler.GamTalk (www.gamtalk.org) is a 24/7 moderated online peer support forum.The National Council on Problem Gambling operates a national hotline to provide callers with local touchpoints. Helpline specialists can be reached by phone or via text message at 1-800-522-4700, as well as through an online chat.