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Gambling Addiction
The Center for Counseling & Health Resources, Inc. and Dr. Gregory L. Jantz has worked with individuals from around the world who struggle with all types of addictions, including Gambling Addiction. At The Center we practice the "Whole Person Approach" to counseling for those who are compulsive or problem gamblers. There are times when there are health or nutritional problems that can have an affect on emotions and decision making. If there is a void in a person spiritually or in relationship with others, individuals can become involved in inappropriate or unhealthy behavior. By treating the whole-person (emotional, intellectual, relational, physical, nutritional, and spiritual), our clients can achieve long term success since we are doing more than just helping clients stop inappropriate behavior.
Some Characteristics of Problem Gamblers
- Problem gamblers are more likely to be male than female
- Problem gamblers usually bet larger amounts on all forms of gambling
- Problem gamblers gamble more frequently
- Problem gamblers spend more time per gambling session
- Problem gamblers are more likely to have been in trouble with the police
- Problem gamblers are more likely to say they have been rejected by family members
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Warning Signs
People who suspect a gambling problem in themselves, a friend, or a family member may recognize the following warning signs:
- Increasing preoccupation with gambling
- Use of gambling as a way to escape problems or relieve depression
- Inability to stop playing regardless of winning or losing, and despite constant vows to abstain
- Restlessness or irritability when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
- Use of alcohol, sleep, or drugs to escape
- Lying to family members or others to hide the amount of gambling
- Impatience with family or friends
- Relying on others for money to relieve a financial problem that
arose due to gambling (legal and illegal sources)
- Absenteeism and tardiness at work
- Neglect of responsibility
- Losing or jeopardizing an important relationship due to gambling
- Wide mood swings
- Belief when winning that it will not stop
- Gambling another day to win back money lost gambling
Dr. Gregory L. Jantz, Founder and Executive Director of The Center, has written a book that can be very helpful for those struggling with gambling addiction.
Turning the Tables on Gambling
Hope and Help for an Addictive Behavior
This book tackles the difficult questions of why individuals are lured to gambling and how to combat this destructive addiction. Drawing from true stories, Dr. Jantz reveals the truth about the dangers of gambling and how to understand what the gambler is actually searching for. He identifies ways our culture supports the gambling lifestyle, what the Bible has to say about gambling, healthy ways to view and manage money, and making lifestyle choices that will lead to freedom.
In Turning the Tables on Gambling, you'll explore the answers to questions such as:
- What is my risk of becoming addicted to gambling?
- Is playing the lottery or making a casual wager harmless?
- At what point does gambling become destructive?
- If gambling is a problem for me or someone I know, what can I do?
Special Articles & Reports on Gambling
Check out Overcoming Gambling Website
