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What is Gambling Addiction? |
Most people are able to gamble socially without going overboard and getting into trouble. Some gamble excessively, on occasion, until they reach a certain level and pull back. Some gamble regularly, hit a run of bad luck, but are able to contain the problem.
However, some gamblers lose control, and gamble excessively, are not able to pull away and as a result get into trouble financially. They start to chase their losses, spending more and more. Then they start to lie to family and friends, to borrow and even steal to get money to continue to gamble, conning themselves that they will win and be able to sort out their problems.
At this point, gambling becomes a problem, or compulsion. Some call it an addiction as it has many features of addiction, e.g. the loss of control, lives become unmanageable.
Definitions
The compulsive gambler is a person who
- Experiences recurrent uncontrollable urges to gamble
- Gains immense excitement and arousal from gambling
- Is moti
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The Psychological Diagnostic tool the DSMIV describes the problem gambling as ‘pathological’. It implies the presence of a mental disorder or illness. Their definition of pathological gambling is as follows: -
Pathological gambling is a persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling
behaviour, which causes disruption or damage to several areas of a person’s functioning, including personal, family or vocational pursuits.
In addition at least five or more of the following features need to be present:
- Excessive preoccupation with gambling.
- A need to increase the amounts gambled to achieve desired excitement.
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to cease gambling.
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative moods, depression or anxiety: chasing losses.
- Lying to conceal debts from others.
- Committing illegal acts to support gambling behaviour.
- Compromised on lost significant employment or vocational opportunities
- Reliance on others to provide money to relieve financial crisis.
COMPULSIVE GAMBLING IS PROGRESSIVE
Gambling addictions, like other addictions, is progressive. Four phases of this addiction have been identified:
1. The Winning Phase
At the start of a gamblers ‘career’, they always experiences a “big win” which leads to more frequent gambling and increases in the amounts of money wagered. This ‘win’ enhances the gambler’s self-image and confidence, and they begin to fantasize about winning. There is an unreasonable optimism and belief in one’s gambling “skill” and good luck.
2. The Losing Phase
As reality sets in and more and more losses are incurred, problem gamblers think only about gambling. Personality changes begin to develop. They begin to lie, borrow money and cover-up debts. They can no longer control the gambling - and, as a result of this, relationships with family, friends and employers deteriorate.
3. The Desperation Phase
Compulsive gamblers can no longer pay their debts and look for a way out, legal or illegal. They spend increasing amounts of time gambling, obsessed with thoughts of ‘breaking even’. This is called ‘chasing’. As the ‘chase’ continues, gamblers panic at the prospect that the ‘action’ will stop. There are feelings of helplessness and remorse. As their reputations crumbles, as businesses fail and as they spiral into more and more debt and chaos, thoughts of suicide become more common.
4. The Hopeless Phase
The gambler has ‘given up’. They believe nothing will help and don’t care if they live or die. They have thoughts of suicide. Most will commit crimes, which will place them in prison. They are all clinically depressed, suicidal and feel that no one cares and that no hope is available.
NOTE:
I refer to the terms "Gambling Addiction" and the "Addicted Gambler". However, terms such as: - Problem Gambling / Problem Gambler / Compulsive Gambling / Compulsive Gambler Pathological Gambling / Pathological Gambler may also be used to describe someone who is not always in control of their gambling.
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