Problem Gambling Information
- Problem gambling is not just about losing money. Gambling problems can affect a person’s whole life. Gambling is a problem when it: gets in the way of work, school or other activities harms the person’s mental or physical health hurts the person financially damages the person’s reputation causes problems with family or friends.
- Gambling can be a bit of fun, but if it becomes compulsive or involves significant loss of money or property, it is considered an addiction and a mental health problem. After diagnosis, treatment.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ (Council) is a private non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization whose primary purpose is to represent the best interest of disordered gamblers and their families, recognizing that problem or disordered gambling is a treatable illness.
What is Gambling Disorder?
Problem Gambling Information Definition
Summary page describing Gambling Disorder from a mental health perspective, including the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Gambling Disorder
How Gambling Becomes an Addiction
In this one-minute video, Dr. Howard J. Shaffer describes what happens in the brain when gambling becomes an addiction.
Treating Addiction as a Syndrome
In this excerpt, Shaffer et al. describe substance (e.g., alcohol) and behavioral (e.g., gambling) addiction as a singular addiction with multiple expressions.
Change Your Gambling, Change Your Life
Dr. Howard J. Shaffer authored this book about self-guided recovery from gambling-related disorders.
Your First Step to Change, 2nd Edition
A self-help toolkit of resources to help start the journey toward recovery from problem gambling behavior
Referrals
A collection of organizations that offer a variety of free resources plus places to start when it’s time to get help.
Practice Guidelines for Treating Gambling-Related Problems: An Evidence-based Treatment Guide for Clinicians
This website was designed for treatment professionals who want to learn more about evidence-based treatment approaches for clients experiencing gambling-related problems.
Expressions of Addiction
A photographic essay of case studies of gambling and other expressions of addiction, by Division Distinguished Faculty Howard J. Shaffer, Ph.D., C.A.S., Morris E. Chafetz Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the Field of Behavioral Sciences at Harvard Medical School
The BASIS Special Series on Gambling Disorder
A full month of science reviews and op-eds related to Gambling Disorder and its relationship with other expressions of addiction
Problem Gambling Information And Resources
The WAGER (Worldwide Addiction Gambling Education Report)
Problem Gambling Information Reporting
The Division’s free monthly online research review of recent, cutting-edge gambling science