Problem Gambling in Michigan
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Escape gambling includes random games or games of chance such as lotteries, scratch tickets, slot machines, bingo and pull tabs. This type of gambling typically follows a six month to three year progression. There may be co-occurring disorders such as depression, chronic pain, history of trauma and loss. Twenty-four to forty percent of problem escape gamblers have attempted suicide. Both action and escape gamblers may require treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, cognitive distortion and dual disorders.
Some of this material is taken from printed material from John Howard Society; Problem Gambling Awareness Project. There is help available. By calling the Michigan Gambling Helpline, 1-800-270-7117, the gambler or family person may be referred to the closest gambling trained therapist and Gamblers Anonymous meeting. It is difficult to make that call but it may be life saving.
A trained gambling treatment therapist will help the gambler set up a treatment plan but it is up to client whether they select a goal of abstinence or harm reduction. Out of control gambling effects all relationships and for every problem gambler there are twelve people adversely affected. Gamblers Anonymous requires a choice of abstinence. The gambler may decide at first to limit the harm and then discover that it isn't working and a goal of abstinence is necessary.
Following are some hints for how you might limit your loses. Some people can bring their life back into balance without the help of therapy and GA. The best chance for recovery, according to research, is gambling specific therapy and attending GA meetings.
SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP YOU STAY ACCOUNTABLE.
Limit the amount of:
________________ Money I am willing to lose
________________ Time I will spend at the casino
________________ Money I will win and leave immediately
________________ Times a month I will gamble
Other controls:
_______________ Don't gamble alone
_______________ Don't gamble when under the influence of negative emotions
_______________ Call someone when you leave and return home from gambling
_______________ Leave extra cash, banking or credit cards, and cheques at home
_______________ Mandatory 15 min. break (walk around) every two hours of play
_______________ Do not drink alcohol while at the casino
_______________ Make plans for your day before and after gambling
_______________ Set banking card up as deposit only
_______________ Gamble for recreation, not to make money
_______________ If you begin to change any of your goals while gambling, stop
_______________ Don't spend more than 5% of your net monthly income.
_______________ Some Reasons Why Seniors Gamble.
Boredom: Due to an overabundance of leisure time after retirement, limited availability of other social activities, general physical limitations.
Loneliness: Often caused by relocation after retirement or the loss of a spouse, child or lifelong friend.
Escape: Usually stemming from an inability to cope with loss or other emotional and physical traumas associated with the later stages of life.
Excitement/Social interaction: Many seniors find gambling an exciting activity at a time when excitement may be very limited. Others find it an opportunity to socialize.
Safety and convenience: The casino provides transportation and a facility with guards and other watchful eyes.
Gamblers Anonymous list of ten questions for teenage gamblers.
- The action of the game/excitement
- Loneliness/boredom
- Competition
- To win money
- To gain attention from peers
- Problems at home
- Low self-esteem
- Peer Pressure
- Avoidance of pain and stress
Help is available by calling 1-800-270-7117, 24/7. You will be asked some confidential questions. The help line receiver will direct you to the nearest trained counselor for gambling recovery. You will also be directed to the nearest GA (Gamblers Anonymous) meeting. You have taken an important step. Youth are at high risk for developing out of control gambling behavior. Don’t bet with your life.
Gamblers will increase their likelihood of recovery by attending a minimum of sixteen sessions (call 1-800-270-7117) with a Michigan Paneled Provider (approved by the State of Michigan) and GA meetings as many times a week as possible. Family and significant others' may become involved in the gambler's therapy by taking over the finances. Honesty about how the gambler has financed his/her habit is an important part of the therapy.
To locate the GA and GamAnon meetings closest to you go to www.gamblersanonymous.org and www.gam-anon.org
To see a list of Michigan Paneled Providers, click here
