Gambling

I rarely see help tools for gamblers - is there a reason?  I fear there is not enough research.  Do you think one is addicted to gambling when:  lies, steals, cheats occurs to get money to gamble BUT - does not desire to gamble if one does not have any money?  

In other words, if I have money, even if I dont feel like playing, I go straight to the casino and gamble every penny.  I then want to play so bad, there is extreme dissapointment when the money is out, and I will search the casino for money left in machines or on the floor. BUT when I dont have a penny to my name, I am comfortable even though I am often regretful and remorseful (and repentant) of having spent my entire paycheck.  

I can't afford therapy because if i have the money to go, I can't make it to the dr. office because I get side-tracked....  today I have no gas, less than a dollar in a coin jar, and a couple cans of tuna.  tomorow I will be on top of the world after getting paid, but by the next day, I'll be counting a few pennies again.  I can't find help anywhere!! (banning oneself from casino is bogus - they dont care if you come back in)  

I have lost my self worth from all the mistakes I made from gambling.  I am also a Christian so the idea of sinning against God so much is a huge burden as well...  what's going on out there? where is all the help?  GA has not been useful for me - it makes me want to gamble after talking about it.

[J T Junig, MD PhD]

You are correct; there are fewer options for treatment for gamblers.  I find in my practice that people are more secretive and ashamed of gambling addictions than they are of almost anything else.

The symptoms you describe are certainly indicative of an addiction.  As an analogy, a person addicted to alcohol will not generally crave alcohol as much when in a setting where drinking is impossible--- which is one reason for staying away from bars and other cues.

Look for gamblers anonymous online;  I'm sure you will find support groups online, if not in your community.  Avoid 'having money'-- get direct deposit, eliminate your ATM card and credit cards-- maybe even have a parent control your finances.  Pretty drastic, I know-- but it sounds like the problem is causing you a great deal of misery.