Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals

Talking about Gambling
• complains of boredom or restlessness
• seems depressed or suicidal.
financial signs
The client:
• frequently borrows money or asks for salary advances
• takes a second job without a change in finances
• cashes in savings accounts, RRSPs or insurance plans
• alternates between being broke and flashing money
• family members complain that valuables and appliances are disappearing,
or money is missing from a bank account or wallet.
health signs
The client complains of stress-related health problems, such as:
• headaches
• stomach and bowel problems
• difficulty sleeping
• overeating, or loss of appetite.
Asking about Gambling
Establish a rapport that invites disclosure and motivates change.
Shame, embarrassment or fear of disclosure may keep people who
gamble from revealing the true nature of their problems. The challenge
is to provide a safe and supportive environment that will facilitate disclosure
in a manner that will allow you to address concerns and link
people to appropriate help.
It is rarely helpful to ask directly “Are you having a problem with
gambling” Some clients may not have insight into how their problems
are associated with gambling. For other clients, this blunt approach may
lead to a defensive response and leave the client unwilling to explore
the issue further.
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