Problem Gambling

Compulsive gambling, problem gambling, and gambling addiction—clinically referred to as gambling disorder–is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life. Gambling means that you’re willing to risk something you value in the hope of getting something of even greater value.

Gambling can stimulate the brain’s reward system much like drugs or alcohol, leading to potential addiction. If you have a problem with compulsive gambling, you may continually chase bets that lead to losses, use up savings and create debt. You may hide your behavior and even turn to theft or fraud to support your addiction.

Compulsive gambling is a serious condition that can destroy lives. Compulsive gambling populations have high suicide rates.  Although treating compulsive gambling can be challenging, many people who struggle with it have found help through professional treatment.

A gambling addiction or problem is often associated with other behavior or mood disorders. Many problem gamblers also suffer with substance abuse issues, unmanaged ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. To overcome your gambling problems, you’ll also need to address these and any other underlying causes as well.

Anyone can experience problem gambling, from high school students exchanging items and money, to seniors spending time at casinos to battle loneliness. While the at-risk or problem gambling category is highest in the 18-24 age range, the numbers remain close until age 65. While gamblers tend to be male, a growing number of women are reporting betting on sports and esports. Minorities and those in poverty reported the highest rates of problem gambling in multiple studies.

CHC is building up resources to treat gambling addiction as a co-occurring issue with substance use disorders. For strictly gambling addiction concerns, we encourage everyone to contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline.

In Ohio, problem gambling treatment services are free. Contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 800.589.9966 to speak to a referral specialist, or visit http://gamblinghelpohio.org to find a specialist near you.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations like CHC.

Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service.

Stay tuned as CHC increases capacity for gambling addiction treatment!