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Symptoms of a Problem Gambler
Adolescent Gambler
According to the American Psychiatric Association, 10 to 15% of young people asked have significant gambling problems; 6% of the teens who have tried gambling have become pathological gamblers. Therefore, it's important to be aware of the symptoms of adolescent problem gamblers:
- Unexplained absences from school
- Sudden drop in grades
- Changes in personality (irritability, impatience, criticism, or sarcasm)
- Large amounts of money in their possession; bragging about gambling wins
- Shows an unusual interest in newspapers, magazine or periodicals having to do with sports, horse racing, etc.
- Intense interest in gambling conversations
- Exaggerated display of money or other material possessions (car, clothes, jewelry)
- Change in behavior (behavior problems, tardiness or absences at school)
- Gambling language in their conversation (5-timer, bookie, loan shark, point spread, underdog, favorite, etc.)
- Exaggerated use of the word "bet" in their vocabulary
- Illegal acts to pay or gamble more, including: stealing or shoplifting, selling drugs or bookmaking, embezzling or employer theft, family theft
Source: California Council on Problem Gambling
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Pathological Gambler
A pathological gambling is the most severe form of gambling and is classified as a mental health disorder. The diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling includes persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior as indicated by five or more of the following:
- Preoccupation with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble)
- Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
- Has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
- Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
- Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression)
- After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (chasing one's losses)
- Lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
- Has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling
- Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational/career opportunity because of gambling
- Relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling
Source: American Psychiatric Association - DSM IV Criteria
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