Test yourself
If you wonder whether you have a gambling problem or are addicted to gambling, you can ask yourself the 10 questions below. If you answer ‘yes’ to one or more questions, you should stop and seek help. If you answer ‘yes’ to more than five questions, you have developed a gambling addiction.
- Are you preoccupied with gambling? Do you become ‘absent’ when you gamble/think about gambling?
- Do you need to gamble more often and with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement/affect?
- Have you made repeated unsuccessful efforts to cut back or stop gambling?
- Are you restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling?
- Do you gamble as a way of forgetting or escaping from day-to-day problems?
- After losing money gambling, do you often return another day to get even?
- Do you lie to family members and acquaintances to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling?
- Have you committed illegal acts (such as theft, forgery, or embezzlement etc.) to finance gambling?
- Have you jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or educational opportunity because of gambling?
- Do you rely on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?
If you are uncertain about whether you have developed a gambling addiction, call the Helpline on 800 800 40. They can help you by providing more information in English about gambling addiction and treatment options.
Treatment
About 70 per cent of gambling addicts who receive treatment manage well afterwards. Gambling addiction is a diagnosis, which means you are entitled to treatment. If you want treatment, you must contact your doctor (GP) or the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV). In order to receive treatment, you must be residing legally in Norway and be a member of the National Insurance Scheme.
Most of the treatment options for gambling addicts in Norway are on an outpatient basis. They involve one to two hours of treatment a week for eight to 12 weeks. The treatment services are spread throughout the country. There is also a distance treatment option whereby all treatment takes place in your own home via the internet and telephone. For this option, a referral from your doctor is not required.
If you would like more information about the online treatment option, contact the Helpline on 800 800 40. Here, you will be told more about the treatment and also whether treatment options are available in your area. The person you speak to on the phone also speaks English.
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