Gambling

Many people gamble casually, buying lottery tickets or scratch, playing sports pools or betting on games, playing cards in social games with friends, or betting on online sports or poker sites. This is often an infrequent activity with little impact on the lives and finances of those participants. For others this activity becomes a compulsive activity with financial, social, and career impacts. Studies have shown that, while no substances are involved, gambling effects the same parts of the brain. The rewards center, that are activated by psychoactive chemicals. For problem gamblers this can lead to many of the same problems as those afflicted by chemical dependency, family problems, work problems, financial difficulties, and even criminal charges. Excessive gambling has been associated with anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases suicide.

If you think you might have a problem with gambling, take this self-assessment.

If you think you might have a gambling or gambling related problem, please contact us here.

Additional information can be found here.