Pathological Gambling Description– An urge to constantly gamble

Even when you know you are at a loss.

Symptoms

Preoccupation

Tolerance

Loss of control

Withdrawal

Problem avoiding

Chasing a high

Lying

Illegal activities

Risked relationship

Relies on others a lot

Causes

Family problems

Money problems

Marriage problems

Need money for drugs

Treatments

Counseling

step-based programs: a 12-step pro-

gram adapted from Alcoholics Anony-

mous

self-help: try to control your compul-

sion to gamble

peer-support: let your friend and fam-

ily help you

medication

Interesting Facts

Pathological gambling

usually begins in early

in men, and in women

it usually starts be-

tween ages 20 and 40.

People with money or

family problems have

a hard time resisting

or controlling the im-

pulse to gamble.