Only 2 prevalence studies have ever been done on a national level. Most states have similarly failed to study this issue. With greater awareness of problem gambling, and a decline in stigma about seeking treatment for mental health disorders, the number of individuals calling helplines and seeking treatment is growing. It is also important to note that only a few states fund any services for problem gamblers at all. Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut back, gambling until your last dollar is gone, using savings or income to gamble while other bills go unpaid, feeling depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses.
Many problem gamblers refuse to admit they have a problem and stay in denial until they hit bottom.
Currently, the self-help group Gamblers Anonymous, because it is the most widely used. Remember, few states have services for problem gamblers. Most insurance companies will not reimburse for problem gambling, so when a problem gambler finally seeks treatment, they are not likely to have the money to afford private treatment. There are several studies underway to evaluate various treatment approaches, including behavioral and pharmacological therapies. Much like alcoholism, it appears to run in families.