Gambling Addiction

Gambling

 

Compulsive gambling is seen as both an impulse-control disorder as well as an addiction. Gambling can be considered an addiction if it is done regardless of the consequences and if there are cravings or urges to gamble beforehand. Compulsive gambling then differs from a bad habit because the impulse to gamble cannot be controlled. This differs slightly from a problem gambling in the sense that a problem gambler does not have a loss of total control. A problem gambler does not need to gamble on a daily basis or even frequently for that matter. If problems arise from gambling, whether socially or economically, then it is considered a problem gambling (Help Guide).

To get the idea of what it takes to be considered a gambling addict take the self-administered diagnostic quiz:  http://www.ncpgambling.org/i4a/survey/survey.cfm?id=6

               

Depression, stress, and anxiety are just a few negative feelings that could lead to gambling addiction. As with many substances that are abused, gambling can be seen as a way to have a good time and forget about real world troubles. Compulsive gamblers often hide what they are doing, and they usually deny that there is any problem at all (Help Guide).

                The first step towards treating the addiction is admitting to the compulsive or problem gambling. Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step recovery program, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. One very important part of this program is having a sponsor. Upon entering the program a sponsor must be chosen. This is someone who has succeeded in recovering from gambling addiction and they are present as support. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used in many cases. This therapy is used to help gamblers find new ways to spend their time, and to help them to fight any urges to gamble (Help Guide).

                Some suggestions for maintaining recovery are letting someone else control your finances to keep you in check. Surrounding yourself with loved ones often helps because it gives you a responsibility and a reason to stay strong. Another, more obvious, tip is to just stay clear of any tempting environments. Maintaining the recovery is the hardest part but it is doable (Help Guide).

                When diagnosing someone as a pathological gambler there are 10 criteria that must be considered. If the person meets at least five then they are believed to have an addiction (George Warren Brown School of Social Work).  About 1% (2million) of U.S. adults (18 and older) are believed to be pathological gamblers. Another 2-3% (4-6 million) are believed to be problem gamblers. A study shows that about 85% of U.S. adults have gambled at least once in their lifetime, and 60% of those have gambled at some point in the past year. The only two states in the U.S. that don’t allow any form of legal gambling are Hawaii and Utah (NCPG).

                For detailed information of the history of gambling in the U.S. dating back to the original colonies visit: http://www.library.ca.gov/crb/97/03/Chapt2.html

References

National Council on Problem Gambling. http://www.ncpgambling.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=3315#widespread

Researchers assess rates and risks of gambling. (2006, Dec.). http://gwbweb.wustl.edu/newsroom/PressRelease/Pages/120605.aspx

Saisan, J., Segal, J., Smith, M., & Robinson, L. (2012, Dec.). Gambling Adiction and Problem Gambling.  http://www.helpguide.org/mental/gambling_addiction.php