ARCHIVES

COMMON CENTS
Senior Problem Gambling: Trends, Prevention, and Treatment

Produced and Distributed By:
CT DMHAS Compulsive Gambling Treatment Program
CT Council on Problem Gambling

November 2000, Volume I, Issue 4

Welcome to COMMON CENTS, a quarterly newsletter. Our mission is to address the issue of senior problem gambling in Connecticut. We hope to open a dialogue with other similarly concerned Nutmeggers by eliciting and responding to your questions and comments in the areas of identification, prevention, and treatment of senior problem gambling.

This issue of COMMON CENTS will discuss early recognition of senior problem gambling.

Problem gambling has often been referred to as the "hidden addiction". In the early stages of this disorder, mounting debts can be secreted away without detection. Gambling activity is difficult to detect because it leaves no obvious telltale signs such as odor or intoxication. As a result, many older adult problem gamblers are able to shield their escalating gambling from those closest to them. Consequently, most problem gamblers will seek assistance only when the problems resulting from their gambling have become unbearably painful. By that time, some consequences can become irreversible; for example: severe health problems, loss of retirement savings or the family home, and the onset of depression and the risk of suicide. Early detection can promote more timely intervention into the gambling problem to foster earlier recovery and lessen the potential for severe, long-term consequences.

The following warning signs are changes in normal daily functioning frequently seen as an adult develops a gambling problem.

• Loss of interest in meaningful activities such as work, hobbies, recreation, or religious activities.
• Absences from routine family and social activities.
• Changing from gambling with others to gambling alone.
• Secrecy or deception when asked about gambling or financial activities.

ABOUT THE SPONSORS
The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) is a private, non-profit organization with a mission to reduce the prevalence and impact of problem and compulsive gambling on individuals, families, and society. The CCPG operates a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential problem gambling Helpline, a service that offers information and referrals to problem gamblers and those affected by them.

HELPLINE: 1-800-346-6238

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services Compulsive Gambling Treatment Program (CGTP) provides professional treatment for compulsive gamblers and their families at nine locations throughout the State of Connecticut.

Intense interest in gambling-related matters, manifested in statements of repeated winnings, more frequent gambling trips, or spending more time and money gambling.

Moodiness, irritability, anxiety, or depression, or expressions of hopelessness and reference to death and suicide.

Worsening of chronic health problems, including cardiac and respiratory problems, gastric distress, or more frequent minor illnesses.

No longer using prescribed medications because money is used to gamble or pay gambling debts.

Increased difficulty living within a household budget.

Late notices of bills or telephone calls from creditors.

Borrowing money, especially if the reason is unclear or seems inappropriate.

Missing personal or household items.

Liquidation of assets and/or the onset of bankruptcy proceedings.

Many of these signs are also observed for non-problem gambling adults. In the absence of outright gambling concerns voiced by problem gamblers and their family members and friends, gambling problems can be overlooked! Note: Any one of these warning signs does not reliably indicate a gambling problem. However, the more signs present, the more likely a gambling problem may exist. In that event, a more thorough assessment is necessary. More about this subject in upcoming issues.

ADVISORY PANEL
Jane Barry, Attorney at Law
Thomas Hardin, Senior Center Director
Annette P., Recovering Compulsive Gambler
Merle S., Recovering Compulsive Gambler

Please cite COMMON CENTS as the source of this quote.

"There is a wisdom in the body that is older and more reliable than clocks and calendars." ~John H. Johnson