How to tell if you or someone you know has a gambling problem

CINCINNATI - Mental health professionals use specific criteria to figure out if someone is a pathological gambler. Problem gamblers have five or more of these behaviors, according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

They are:

• Preoccupation with gambling
• Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling
• Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
• Gambles to escape from problems or relieve an unhappy mood
• After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even
• Lies to family members, therapist or others to hide the extent of gambling
• Has committed crimes such as forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement to pay for gambling
• Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling

If you think you or someone you know might have a gambling problem, Ohio has a toll-free Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline you can call: 1-800-589-9966.

To locate a Gamblers Anonymous meeting near you: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/locations