Problem gambling can impact many aspects of a gamblers' life potentially resulting in: Financial Problems
(Debt, Bankruptcy, Job Loss), Personal Problems (Difficulty in Marriage and other Relationships, Divorce, Distraction from Life & Commitments), Legal Problems (Theft, Embezzlement, Other Crimes, Arrests)
and Physical and Mental Health Problems (Depression, Thoughts of Suicide, Drug and Alcohol Use).

Studies have documented the relationship between problem gambling and specific physical and mental health issues found in general medical care. The three broad categories of co-occurring conditions include mental health problems, chemical dependency problems, and stress related problems.

Mental Health: Several studies placed problem gamblers at increased risk for dysthymia, major depression, anti-social personality disorder, phobias, and other mental conditions. Problem gamblers were also identified as being at increased risk for alcohol, nicotine, and other drug abuse.

Chemical Dependency: Studies have shown that problem gamblers are more likely to be problematic alcohol users.

Cardiac Arrest: Studies generally placed problem gamblers at increased risk for cardiac arrest due to sustained stress and hypertension.

Stress Related Diagnoses: Problem gamblers report higher levels of stress-related physical problems than average. Conditions may include: migraine headache, tension headache, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer, GERD, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, myalgias, and neurotic dermatitis.

How can you Detect a Gambling Problem?

Adapted from the The National Council on Problem Gambling Website