FAQ

Q: ​What is Pathological (Compulsive) Gambling?

A: ​“Pathological Gambling is believed to be a progressive behavior disorder which has the trademarks of out of control thinking about gambling and urges to gambling. This leads to gambling beyond limits. The result of this out of control gambling is the loss of time and money. The gambling grows to the point where it disrupts, or destroys the gambler’s personal life, family life and job pursuits. These problems in turn lead to more and more problem gambling. The most important traits are emotional dependence on gambling, loss of control, and problems with normal activities.”

Q: “Are there phases related to problem gambling

A: ​“There are four phases described as: the Winning Phase, the Losing Phase, the Desperation Phase and the Hopelessness Phase. As the gambling addiction or disorder gets worse, there is often an increase in betting, increase in time spent gambling AND an increase in feeling depressed, ashamed, and guilty."

Q:​ “What would I look for if I suspected someone close to me was gambling?

A: ​Several things may indicate some problem such as the time spent gambling, increase in gambling time and places, increase in size of bets (sudden and dramatic), working up special occasions for gambling and even cancelling other plans to gamble, boasting about winning, evasive about losses, exaggerated display of money and other possessions, gambling when there is a crisis, drop off in other activities, frequent absences from home or work, excessive phone use, withdrawal from family, personality changes (increased irritability/hostility) and diversion of family funds.

Q: ​What is drug addiction?

A: Drug addiction is a complex, and often chronic, brain disease. It is characterized by drug craving, seeking, and use that can persist even in the face of devastating life consequences. Addiction results largely from brain changes that stem from prolonged drug use—changes that involve multiple brain circuits, including those responsible for governing self-control and other behaviors. Drug addiction is treatable, often with medications (for some addictions) combined with behavioral therapies. However, relapse is common and can happen even after long periods of abstinence, underscoring the need for long-term support and care. Relapse does not signify treatment failure, but rather should prompt treatment re-engagement or modification.

Q: ​How do I know if someone is addicted to drugs?

A: ​If a person is compulsively seeking and using a drug(s) despite negative consequences, such as loss of job, debt, family problems, or physical problems brought on by drug abuse, then he or she probably is addicted. And while people who are addicted may believe they can stop any time, most often they cannot, and will need professional help—first to determine if they in fact are addicted, and then to obtain drug abuse treatment. Support from friends and family can be critical in getting people into treatment and helping them to maintain abstinence following treatment.

Q: ​What are the physical signs of drug abuse or addiction?

A: ​The physical signs of drug abuse or addiction can vary depending on the person and the drug being abused. For example, someone who abuses marijuana may have a chronic cough or worsening of asthmatic symptoms. Each drug has short-term and long-term physical effects. Stimulants like cocaine increase heart rate and blood pressure, whereas opioids like heroin may slow the heart rate and reduce respiration.

​The CAGE questionnaire is a screening tool used to identify a potential alcohol use disorder. Answer “Yes” or “No” to each of the four questions below, and then score 1 point for each "Yes" answer. 

  1. Have you ever felt that you should Cut down on your drinking?
  2. Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
  3. Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
  4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (Eye opener)? 
Scoring:
            Add the number of "Yes" answers.
            Higher scores are an indication of an alcohol problem.
            A total score of 2 or greater is considered clinically significant.