COMMUNITY COUNSELING SERVICES OF WEST NASSAU, INC.

Signs and Symptoms of a Problem

If you are unsure whether you or someone you know needs help with a DRUG or ALCOHOL problem, the following may guide your decision to seek professional help.

Signs and symptoms:

• using drugs or alcohol to forget about your problems
  
  
• difficulty caring for your children
  
  
• troubled relationships with family, friends or colleagues
  
  
• legal problems related to drug or alcohol use
  
  
• decline in appearance
  
  
• hiding the amount of alcohol or drugs you use
  
  
• frequently borrowing money
  
  
• poor attendance or performance at work or school

People with COMPULSIVE GAMBLING are typically in it for the thrill, rather than the actual winnings. They find the action exciting and arousing.

Signs and symptoms:

• A preoccupation with gambling
  
  
• Reliving past gambling experiences
  
  
• Taking time from work or family life to gamble
  
  
• Concealing gambling
  
  
• Feeling guilt or remorse after gambling
  
  
• Borrowing money or stealing to gamble
  
  
• Failed efforts to cut back on gambling
  
  
• Lying to hide gambling

People with compulsive gambling often wager money that they need to pay bills. When they lose, they chase their losses, or attempt to gain back the money they've gambled away. They may turn to gambling both when they feel down and when they feel up. If they try to cut down on gambling, they may become restless or irritable.