Do you Have a Gambling Problem?
William Gaultiere, Ph.D.

Do you (or someone you know) have a problem with gambling in casinos, on the internet, or on sporting contests? Has gambling become a compulsion that has diminished your enjoyment or productivity in your relationships or work? Take the “AN ADDICT” self-test for gamblers and find out.

1. Alone? Do you gamble to be alone or to get away from someone? Has gambling caused problems in an important relationship?

2. Non-premeditated use? Do you sometimes gamble without planning or intending to? Do family, friends, or conscience tell you to stop, but yet you continue?

3. Amnesia? Do hours seem like minutes when you gamble? When gambling do you sometimes forget appointments or commitments?

4. Depend on the “high?” Do you anticipate your next opportunity to gamble? Do you feel restless, irritable, or depressed if you go an extended period of time without gambling? Have you tried unsuccessfully to cut back or stop gambling?

5. Distracted? Are you distracted with thoughts of gambling, getting money to gamble, or reliving past gambling experiences? Has your performance at work or school gone down since gambling?

6. Increased tolerance? Are you able to gamble more than most people? Do you gamble more often or with more money in order to achieve the desired excitement?

7. Conceal supply? Do you hide from family members or others about the time or money you spend gambling? Do you tell lies to cover up your gambling involvements?

8. Tranquilizer? Do you gamble to feel better or to escape feelings of depression, guilt, or anxiety? Do you gamble to forget about your problems?

Scoring: Three or more “yes” answers indicate that you may have a problem with compulsive gambling. For diagnoses and treatment consult in person with a doctor or psychotherapist.