Do
you or someone you know:
> Chase
losses - gambling in an attempt to make
up losses;
> Gamble
as a means to cope - to escape worries,
frustrations or disappointments;
> Neglect
personal needs, such as food, utilities or
medical assistance;
> Lack
the ability to meet living expenses previously
met;
> Withdraw
from friends and family;
> Use
gambling as a primary form of recreation
or socialization;
> Have
decreasing financial reserves;
> Make
no effort to develop new friendships/interests
after moving to a new or different residence;
> Summer
from depression or a decline in health with
no apparent reason.
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Educate
yourself on the warning signs of compulsive gambling
so you don't fall victim to family and friends
who have developed an addiction.
If
you suspect someone you love has developed a gambling
problem, follow these guidelines:
1. Understand
that giving or loaning them money for any reason
enables their addiction;
2. Let them face the consequences of their
destructive behavior and seek help for yourself;
3. Free counseling is available to Missouri
residents who have a gambling problem or are
the loved one of a problem gambler.
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If
you believe you or someone you love has a gambling
problem, free help is available:
>1-888-BETSOFF
(1-888-238-7633)
>www.888betsoff.org
>Free
treatment for Missouri residents
>Voluntary
Exclusion Program
>Individual
exclusion programs available at many
casino properties
Be
responsible. If you sponsor group trips to gambling
locations or have charity fundraisers involving
gambling activities, educate your group.
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Retirement
is a time to have fun after a lifetime of responsibility
and work. For many retirees gambling is an exciting
form of recreation. To most, it is simply recreation
- a fun activity to do with friends. But for some,
it can become a progressive disease.
