DE-MYTHSTIFICATION
MYTH or #FACTS: COMMON THINGS WE HEAR
"You have to wager often to have a gambling problem."
MYTH!
Fact: It really doesn’t matter how often a person wagers. If a person’s gambling is causing emotional, financial, relationship, legal or other challenges for themselves and the people around them, then they have a gambling problem.
Financial issues are the main cause of relationship issues among people with gambling problems.
MYTH!
This one's tricky. While it's true that money problems play an important part in relationship issues among people with gambling problems, a great deal of loved ones say the lies and betrayal of trust are the biggest issues.
The best thing to do for someone who is in debt from their gambling problem is to NOT lend them any money.
#FACTS
While it's so tempting to help a person out of compassion who is struggling, "bailing" the person out of debt may backfire and could make things even worse. People with gambling problems most often truly want to pay their loans back, but their problem can compel them to keep playing so they can "pay it back as soon as I go up." Unfortunately, they almost invariably go deeper into debt, compounding the problem.
People with gambling problems typically have their favorite forms of wagering.
#FACTS
Most people with gambling problems have one or two favorite forms of gambling that are more problematic for them than others.
There are many ways that people can get help for problems with gaming.
#FACTS
It really depends on the person and their comfort level. Whether it's groups, individual counseling, telehealth, or a combination, there are many different resources of help in the U.S.
National Council on Problem Gambling resources by state
International Gambling Counselor Certification Board Counselor directory
Smart Recovery (self-help)
Many states offer free treatment services!
Because there's nothing ingested/snorted/injected/etc., gambling cannot become a significant behavioral health condition.
MYTH!
Gambling disorder is a diagnosable behavioral health condition, according to the diagnostic manual from the American Psychiatric Association.
It's the first ever behavioral disorder recognized as an addiction.