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Gambling Addiction
Gambling can be defined as taking part in an activity or game that offers the chance for bets. Gambling takes place in various forms such as horse and dog tracks, off-track-betting parlors, lotteries, casinos, card rooms, bingo and the stock market. It is also important to note that not all gambling is pathological. Many individuals participate in recreational gambling without crossing over that “invisible line”, at which point gambling becomes a severe addiction.
Pathological gambling is a progressive disease that effects not only the gambler but close family and friends. It can also wreak havoc at work and socially for the addicted person. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association accepted pathological gambling as Impulse Control Disorder. An Impulse control disorder is a set of psychiatric disorders which also include intermittent explosive disorder, kleptomania, fire starting, compulsive hair pulling and compulsive skin picking. Impulsivity is the main feature of these disorders. The behavior pattern involved is seeking instant gratification at the expense of a long term negative consequences. Impulse control disorders are grouped in the obsessive-compulsive disorder category.
Much like drug and alcohol addiction, gambling addiction is both chronic and progressive, but it can also be diagnosed and treated. Cognitive behavioral therapy with medication for anxiety or depression is common. There are also 12 step support groups for problem gamblers and gambling addiction. Pathological gamblers typically are at risk to also use tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs more often than their non-gambling addicted counterparts. Many are also treated for co-occurring disorders or addictions.
Pathological gambling causes negative consequences in many areas of and individual’s life including the psychological, physical, social and work aspects. Addictive gambling can be quite tricky to spot since there are usually no readily apparent symptoms as there are with drug and alcohol addiction. Since gambling doesn’t impair an individual’s ability to drive or function coherently it may be hard to tell when they are “under the influence” of the disease. Pathological gambling is usually well concealed by the gambler until finances are out of control. On the surface it may appear that addiction to gambling is solely for pleasure-seeking, the roots of this addition can also be traced to an attempt to suppress or avoid emotional pain.
Pathological gambling can be categorized into two types: action gambling and escape gambling.
- Action gambling is the term used when the problem gambler is addicted to the thrill of the risk of gambling. The action itself becomes the drug which the brain wires to need more of to achieve the feeling. Action gambling takes place with other players so the addicted person can become a “winner.” This form of gambling is less isolating than “escape gambling.” More men tend to fall into this category.
- Escape gambling is the term used when the problem gambler seeks to erase upset or painful feelings. The act of gambling is secondary to the numbing effect desired. Escape gamblers prefer to gamble alone like at a slot machine or on internet gambling websites, where they can avoid other people. Women tend to become “escape gamblers.”
The American Psychological Association reports ten diagnostic criteria, for determining the extent of gambling addiction. These criteria from the DSM IV are:
- Preoccupation – Preoccupied with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
- Tolerance – Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
- Withdrawal – Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
- Escape – Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or relieving dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression)
- Chasing – After losing money gambling, often returns another day in order to get even ("chasing one's losses"). Chasing is a classical behavior pattern characterizing pathological gambling.
- Lying – Lies to family members, therapists or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
- Illegal acts – Has committed illegal acts (e.g., forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement) in order to finance gambling
- Risked significant relationship – Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
- Bailout – Has relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling
- Loss of control – Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling
Five or more of these signs = pathological gambler
Three or four = problem gambler
One or two = “at risk” gambler
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