Maine

Problem Gambling Resources in Maine

If gambling is causing a problem in your life we encourage you to ask questions, gather information and conduct research on the type of help that is most appropriate for your situation. This information is intended to be a starting point—it is not a complete list of information or services.

FIND HELP IN YOUR STATE NOW, including counseling, treatment, self-help and support groups:

National Problem Gambling Helpline

Call: 1-800-GAMBLER
Text: 800GAM
Chat: www.1800gamblerchat.org

and

MAINE COUNCIL ON PROBLEM GAMBLING, INC

PO Box 128, 4 Water Street
Searsport, ME 04974
Tel: 207.520.0293
Email: info@maineproblemgambling.org
Website: www.maineproblemgambling.org

OTHER STATE RESOURCES

• For the fact sheet on gambling and problem gambling in Maine, click here.

Self Help Resources

• Gamblers Anonymous (www.gamblersanonymous.org)
Is fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.

• Gam-Anon (www.gam-anon.org)
Is a self-help organization for the spouse, family or close friends of compulsive gamblers.

• GamTalk (www.gamtalk.org)
Is a 24/7 moderated online peer support forum.

SCREENING TOOLS

Please visit our Screening Tools page to access three problem gambling assessment tools. It is important to note that these screens are not a diagnosis and DO NOT replace a face-to-face evaluation with a trained clinical professional.

• The Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS). A 3-item survey designed to help people decide on their own whether to seek a formal evaluation of their gambling behavior.

• DSM-5 Addictive Gambling Criteria. The American Psychiatric Association guidelines used for the medical diagnosis of addictive gambling.

• NORC Diagnostic Screen for Gambling Problems. This simple self test will help you to evaluate your gambling behavior. Just answer 10 questions adapted from the DSM IV criteria.

OTHER TREATMENT RESOURCES

Maine Gambling Addiction Treatment Network: Individuals experiencing gambling disorder and their family members often do not have the financial resources available to get help, and this network provides a funding of last resort to pay for those individuals or affected others who have no other means to pay for treatment. Providers in this network have received training in gambling disorder and are also able to accept referrals for individuals and affected others who have insurance or private-pay options. FMI or to find a provider, contact: lmanson@adcareme.org

• Treatment Facility List

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

In addition to the resources listed above, there are many additional resources for problem gamblers throughout the National Council on Problem Gambling site.

• Resources page pulls together information and links about our State Affiliates, U.S. and international resources, awareness promotion, state problem gambling services, financial issues, and much more.

• Celebrate & Inspire – In order to get beyond the statistics and provide a more personal and individual picture of this issue, this section features the stories of individuals who have been affected by problem gambling, including problem gamblers and their family members, friends, colleagues and employers; treatment providers; advocates; and any others.