For most people, gambling is recreational. However, for some people, gambling leads to debilitating problems resulting in harm. Problem gambling means participation in any form of gambling activity to the extent that it creates a negative consequence to the gambler, the gambler's family, place of employment, or community. This includes patterns of gambling and subsequent related behaviors that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family, educational, financial, or vocational interests. Pathological gambling is a progressive mental disorder meeting the diagnostic criteria set forth by the
American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition
.
Problem and pathological gamblers can experience psychological difficulties such as anxiety, depression, guilt, attempted suicide, or abuse of alcohol and drugs, as well as stress-related physical illnesses such as hypertension and heart disease. Interpersonal problems include lying and stealing, resulting in a breakdown of relationships and divorce. Work and school problems include poor performance, abuse of leave time, and loss of employment. Financial consequences are substantial, including credit card debt, unpaid creditors, and impoverishment. Finally, pathological gamblers may resort to criminal behavior to finance gambling or pay gambling debts. Family members of problem gamblers also experience substantial financial, physical and psychological difficulties as a direct result of the problem gambling behavior.
The California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Office of Problem Gambling is charged with developing statewide programs to address problem and pathological gambling issues, under
Section 4369 of the Welfare and Institutions Code
. Please explore this website to get additional information and resources about problem gambling for yourself or for someone you care about.
Problem Gambling HELP
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