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Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Recognition. Prevention. Treatment

20/20 Parenting. Recognizing and mitigating early vulnerabilities and risk factors.

Addictive Activities - Gambling

Paul Barton, CFP, PFP, Financial Planner

Paul has worked in the Financial Services Industry since 1977. He is a Certified Financial Planner, and has advised hundreds of families in financial planning over the years. Paul writes a weekly column on personal money matters that is syndicated in two newspapers. He has appeared on radio talk shows, and was featured as a guest on TV Ontario's Planet Parent on the topic of teenagers and money.

Visit at: www.talkaboutmoney.com


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Talk To Your Teenager About Gambling

Gambling Among Youth A Growing Concern

Gambling problems with an individual may start out small, but if the youth falls into debt over gambling, behavioural changes could surface.  Sometimes an unfavorable attitude and sudden behaviour changes displayed by some teenagers may be dismissed as the teenager going through puberty.  In such instances, the parent may unknowingly be overlooking a more serious underlying problem.  If questioned, teenagers with gambling problems may quickly dismiss any notion that they have a problem. 

Some of the signs your teenager may have a gambling problem are surprisingly similar to signs your teenager may have a drug, or other substance abuse problem.  Clues to addictive problems in teenagers include:

  • Disruption in family relationships – withdrawing from being a part of the family.
  • Problems with peer relationships – suddenly hanging out with new friends and/or changing friends often.
  • Decline in school and/or job performance – lack of focus and lack of motivation.
  • Signs of low self-esteem and depression.
  • Moodiness and poor sleep patterns.

Regarding addictive behaviour, one psychologist consulted on this topic suggests that often an underlying problem exists, and rather than deal with the underlying issue, the individual uses their “drug of choice” to escape problems.  Unless dealt with, the problems may worsen.  At times, gambling problems can migrate to delinquent and criminal behaviour, such as stealing money, or stealing property to sell for money to fuel gambling habits.

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