Detecting Senior Gambling Problems
The following indicate that a person may have a problem with gambling:
- gambling to calm nerves, forget worries, or reduce depression
- losing interest in food
- always talking about, or planning a gambling activity
- lying about gambling habits
- gambling alone with increased frequency
- depriving oneself or someone else of basic needs in order to gamble
- gambling with more frequency
- needing to gamble increasing amounts of money to get the desired effect
- frequently acting irritable, resentful, or experiencing financial problems caused by gambling
Source: Senior Prevention Intervention Counseling Education (S.P.I.C.E.)
Topeka, Kansas
What reasons to older adults have to gamble?
What Resources are Available?
National Problem Gambling Help Line
(800) 522-4700
The National Problem Gambling Help Line provides help to people with gambling problems and their families. Callers receive confidential, professional service from trained counselors. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free of charge.
Indiana Help Line
(800) 994-8448
Gambling Recovery Ministries
(812) 926-1052
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
Gam-Anon: A peer-led support group, Gam-Anon provides a supportive environment for the spouses, relatives, or close friends of- problem gamblers to share their experiences. There is no membership fee. A list of local meetings is available by calling the above Problem Gambling Help Lines.
