WHAT IS COMPULSIVE GAMBLING 
Gambling, for most people, is a recreational activity. However, for an estimated 2% to 4% of the general population, gambling results in an addiction. Compulsive gambling is a progressive disease, much like an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
In many cases, the gambling addiction is hidden until the gambler cannot function without gambling, and he/she begins to exclude all other activities. Not all compulsive gamblers show the same signs and symptoms of addiction, there are differences in gender, age or cultural backgrounds, but most will:
- Use gambling as a coping strategy called Escape/Relief to mask underlying emotional pain.
- Rely on the excitement to make themselves feel good.
- Wager higher amounts to win back their losses.
- Believe that they can get out of debt with a big win.
- Hide their gambling from family and friends and lie about money.
- Find the financial problem becomes an emotional one.
- Eventually become emotionally, mentally and physically distressed.
Gambling Got You
Down
You've come to the right place! On this site, you'll find a wealth of information, understanding, and 
hope. Grab a cup of coffee and stay awhile.
Start at the top with Types of Gamblers. You might just find yourself there. When you're done, if you're a woman, click on Female Gamblers. Did you know that about 60% of all calls for help to the Arizona Council Helpline were from women? If you're a man, click on male gamblers for important information.
But whether you're male, or female, young, or old, if you're experiencing problem or compulsive behavior, there is something for you here.
Click on The Brain, for an engrossing article by Lori Rugle, Ph.D., who makes it easy to understand how your brain falls prey to addiction.
Click on Gambling Facts to learn all you can about this destructive and insidious disease. Awareness can be the first step toward a happier and healthier life for you and those who care about you.
Most importantly, ACCG will lead you to a variety of sources where you can get the kind of help you need - whenever you're ready.
ACCG is here for you. Call the HELPLINE, contact a counselor, go to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting, find a rehab program. If you or someone you love is in trouble, we can help. Read all you can, and then MAKE THE CALL! It's FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.
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MYTH: Gambling is not like substance abuse. Gamblers could just stop if they really wanted to.
FACT: Compulsive Gambling is a disease. The addictive nature of repetitive gambling is just as difficult to arrest as addiction to drugs or alcohol. Read More
MYTH: Gamblers are just low-lives who can't get their act together.
FACT: Gamblers are just like you and me, and as a rule, have above average intelligence. Problem gamblers have a combination of good and bad personality traits just like the rest of us. Read More
We welcome your comments and questions: azccg@azccg.org
The ACCG is a proud affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling
For questions or comments about problem gambling on this site: azccg@azccg.org