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GAMBLING - COMPULSIVE GAMBLING
The following has been excerpted from the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling website http://www.ccpg.org and from the Connecticut Clearinghouse website http://www.ctclearinghouse.org
WHAT IS COMPULSIVE/PROBLEM GAMBLING?
According to the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, “The terms ‘problem’ and ‘disordered’ gambling are encompassing terms which refer to the full range of gambling problems, from mild to severe. The terms ‘compulsive’, ‘pathological’ and ‘addictive’ gambling all refer to a serious mental disorder characterized by out of control gambling resulting in severe negative personal, family, financial, work and/or legal consequences.”
More detailed information can be found at the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling webpage http://www.ccpg.org/problemgambling.html and at the Connecticut Clearinghouse webpage http://www.ctclearinghouse.org/Topics/topicView.asp?TopicID=70
TREATMENT RESOURCES FOR PROBLEM GAMBLERS IN CONNECTICUT:
The State of Connecticut has established a compulsive gambling treatment program, called Problem Gambling, which sponsors the Bettor Choice programs. Bettor Choice provides outpatient treatment for compulsive/problem gamblers. More information on the Bettor Choice program can be found at the Conn. Dept. of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) webpage http://www.dmhas.state.ct.us/gambling/services.htm. Also, the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling maintains the CT Problem Gambling Helpline, which provides information and referral to professional treatment as well as to Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon support group meetings. The Problem Gambling Helpline number is 1-800-34 NOBET (1-800-346-6238).
UNDERAGE GAMBLING
Although it is illegal in Connecticut to gamble in a casino unless at least age 21, and illegal under the age of 18 for other forms of gambling, the reality is that many under age people gamble and some develop a gambling problem or addiction. The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers an online guide to youth problem gambling warning signs at http://www.ccpg.org/resources.html Youth who have a gambling problem or who are concerned about a family member's gambling can call the Problem Gambling Helpline for help. Information for parents about youth gambling can also be found online at http://www.youthgambling.com Also, Problem Gambling Services and the Connecticut Council offer a free youth gambling prevention curriculum, “Beat Addiction: Choose the Right Path,” for use in middle and high schools in Connecticut.
TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service names:
Gambling Counseling/Treatment
Gambling Counseling/Treatment * Families/Friends of Compulsive Gamblers
Gambling Support Groups
Gambling Support Groups * Families/Friends of Compulsive Gamblers
Outreach Programs * Gambling Issues
Peer Counseling * Gambling Issues
Specialized Information and Referral * Gambling Issues
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SOURCES: Conn. Council on Problem Gambling; Conn. Clearinghouse; Conn. Dept. of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) http://www.dmhas.state.ct.us, Problem Gambling Services
PREPARED BY: 211/fj
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: May2008
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