Gambling Addiction

Legalized gambling is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. Billboards on major highways depict the action and excitement available at gambling facilities. For most of the industry's patrons, gambling is fun and a form of harmless entertainment. However, for the 4% to 6% of gamblers who become problem or pathological (compulsive) gamblers, it can be a devastating illness that negatively affects every aspect of their lives.

Gambling can be defined as playing a game of chance for stakes. Gambling occurs in many forms, most commonly (horse and dog tracks, off-track-betting parlors, lotteries, casinos, slot machines, bookmaking (sports books and horse books), card rooms, bingo parlors and the stock market.

Problem gambling is gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational.  Problem gambling is an urge to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or despite a desire to stop. The term 'problem gambling' is preferred to 'compulsive gambling' among many professionals, as few people described by the term experience true compulsions in the clinical sense of the word. Problem gambling often is defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others, rather than by the gambler's behavior. The term "Problem Gambling" includes, but is not limited to, the condition known as Pathological Gambling or Compulsive Gambling.

Pathological or compulsive gambling is characterized, according to the international diagnostic classification DSM-IV, by persistent, recurrent and maladaptive gambling behavior which disrupts the subject's personal, family and working life. It is a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.

Compulsive gamblers often have other addictions simultaneously, such as drug abuse and alcohol abuse, compulsive shopping and bulimia and other eating problems. The addictive gambler may be harder to treat than someone with only one addiction, because he or she may “switch addictions” and therefore leave the addictive personality traits untreated.

A gambling addiction is classified slightly different depending on how the symptoms are diagnosed.

The Centers for Disease Control labeled gambling addiction as an impulse control disorder. Recently, some researchers have classified gambling addiction as a neurobiological disorder with a chemical dependency of the brain similar to those addicted to drugs such as cocaine and alcohol. According to these scientists, gambling is a drug because its psychoactive effects are similar to tangible drugs.

Compulsive gambling can be categorized into two types: action gambling and escape gambling.

Action Gamblers:  In action gambling, the gambler is addicted to the thrill of risk-taking as his or her “substance of choice,” much in the same way that a cocaine addict is hooked on cocaine. The action itself becomes the drug. Action gamblers typically engage in games with other players, since part of the adrenaline rush is in the appearance or identity as a “winner.” These are predominantly males who started gambling early in teen years, and are generally bright, testing high on IQ tests. Their outlets are games requiring skill, including pari-mutuel, black jack, poker, sports betting, and recently, trading of stocks, commodities, futures, options, and bonds. Gambling conveys a sense of euphoria, similar to a drug induced high. Generally, very ego driven, controlling, risk taking, narcissistic, sociable, and, like the narcissist, in need of approval, affirmation, and confirmation.

These individuals generally possess low self-esteem, and have a tendency to bend the truth or lie. The gamblers of this problem category proceed generally through four phases: Winning - Losing -Desperation - Hopelessness. Generally, the behavior persists between 10 and 30 years before circumstances have reached a sufficient low for help to be sought. By that time the addiction has assumed far greater importance than family, friends, jobs, outside interests, and the individual is in serious jeopardy of losing absolutely everything.

Escape Gamblers:  Escape gambling occurs when the gambler seeks to blot out some discomforting feelings or emotional life crisis. The action of gambling is secondary to the numbing effect of the activity. Escape gamblers prefer more singular outlets such as slot machines, where they can avoid human contact. These are predominantly female with problems initiated later in life, normally when they are 30 or older. Gambling generally involves games requiring little or no skill like slots, bingo, lottery, etc. Escape gamblers appear numb, or in hypnotic trance when engaged in gambling. These types of gambler feel free of emotional and physical pain when gambling. These gamblers have been responsible and moral in their early lives, but they avoid conflict and often suffered verbal and physical abuse. They have a need for empowerment and gain it in their escape gambling. These individuals possess low self-esteem, and become manipulative as the problem develops.

Another classification approach, identified by Robert L. Custer, M.D. (adapted from encognitive), lists 6 types of gamblers: 1.Escape gamblers; 2.Compulsive gamblers; 3. Professional gamblers; 4. Anti-social or personality gamblers; 5. Casual social gamblers; and 6. Serious social gamblers. 

1. Escape gamblers prefer games that are perceived to have no elements of skill; these games include video poker, lottery, bingo, and slot machines. These games provide the relief from feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, boredom or loneliness. They use gambling to escape from crisis or difficulties. Gambling provides an analgesic effect rather than a euphoric response.

2. Compulsive gamblers have lost control over their gambling. For them, gambling is the most important thing in their lives. Compulsive gambling is a progressive addiction that harms every aspect of the gambler's life. As they continue to gamble, their families, friends and employers are negatively affected. In addition, compulsive gamblers may engage in activities ­ such as stealing, lying or embezzling ­ which go against their moral standards. Compulsive gamblers cannot stop gambling, no matter how much they want to or how hard they try.

3. Professional gamblers make their living by gambling and thus consider it a profession. They are skilled in the games they choose to play and are able to control both the amount of money and time spent gambling. Thus, professional gamblers are not addicted to gambling. They patiently wait for the best bet and then try to win as much as they can.

4. Antisocial or personality gamblers use gambling as a way to get money by illegal means. They are likely to be involved in fixing horse or dog races, or playing with loaded dice or marked cards. They may attempt to use a compulsive gambling diagnosis as a legal defense.

5. Casual social gamblers gamble for recreation, sociability and entertainment. For them, gambling may be a distraction or a form of relaxation. Gambling does not interfere with family, social or vocational obligations. Examples of such betting are the occasional poker game, Super Bowl bets, a yearly trip to Las Vegas and casual involvement in the lottery.

6. Serious social gamblers invest more of their time in gambling. Gambling is a major source of relaxation and entertainment, yet these individuals place gambling second in importance to family and vocation. This type of gambler could be compared to a "golf nut," whose source of relaxation comes from playing golf. Serious social gamblers still maintain control over their gambling activities.

The progression of gambling addiction is often seen as going through several phases:

During the winning phase, gamblers experience a big win ­ or a series of wins ­ that leaves them with unreasonable optimism that their winning will continue. This leads them to feel great excitement when gambling, and they begin increasing the amounts of their bets. They think (falsely) that gambling will provide them with the good life without hard work, patience, and diligence.

The losing phase: The losing phase is when the losing streaks begin; the true odds of gambling are being reflected and the gambler doesn't stand a chance regardless what system he or she uses. At this point the gambler begins to miss work, asks for bailouts, neglects bills, borrows to gamble, lies to family and friends to cover losses, becomes more irritable, restless and withdrawn. Their home life becomes more unhappy and they may be unable to pay off debts. In the losing phase, the gambler thinks he's facing a temporary period of bad luck. However, it's not luck he's up against but the probabilities designed into every game of chance to ensure that the house or casino always wins. The gamblers begin to "chase" their losses, believing they must return as soon as possible to win back their losses.

During the desperation phase, there is a marked increase in the time spent gambling. This is accompanied by remorse, blaming others and alienating family and friends. The gamblers reputation with those around him is affected, but rather than look inward the gambler blames others, out of frustration and anger, for their predicament.  They are unwilling to accept responsibility and the consequences of the gambling behavior. At this point, some problem gamblers will resort to illegal activities to finance their gambling.   Eventually, they may experience hopelessness, depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts, anxiety, arrests, relationship problems, alcohol abuse and/or other drug abuse.

Hopefully, the gambling addict will proceed to the next phase, the critical phase.  During the critical phase, the gambler realizes he is not making any progress in life and gambling isn't going to provide him with the good life he's imagined. He tries to be more responsible and is hopeful for the future. He/She reaches out for help, either through therapy, counseling, Gamblers Anonymous, self-help books, or a combination of these.

The building phase is about self-examination. Here the gambler accepts his/her strengths and weaknesses. They develop new interests, activities and hobbies, and seek new goals.

The growth phase is when the gambler develops a higher consciousness. Through self-examination he/she is able to forgive themselves and others. They deal with problems as they arise, accepts the hardships of life, and becomes realistic rather than overly optimistic or pessimistic about situations.

A gambling addiction is not an addiction to money. Most people gamble to escape from stress, a painful past, to seek arousal, or to be in "action." Although the causes of pathological gambling are not known for certain, researchers have made many observations about the dynamics of the disease and the personality profiles of those who succumb to it. Some of the main reasons people become addicted to gambling are listed below :

*To cope with traumatic life experiences. People gamble to avoid uncomfortable or painful emotions, including sadness, depression, loss of a significant person or thing, guilt, shame, anger, humiliation, failure and frustration. Gambling provides the illusion of control in uncontrollable situations and environments.

*To chase losses. Chasing past losses is the result of experiencing early wins. After a winning streak, the gambler is deluded with the idea of the "Big Win." The gambler thinks that through this Big Win, his or her bills will be paid and problems solved. The Big Win is an illusion that keeps the gambler in action until he or she admits there is a problem and seeks help.

*As a form of stimulation. Some people knowingly or unknowingly seek the risky, naughty, thrill-seeking lifestyle through gambling. They surrender to their impulses and gambling acts as a drug that is as powerful as any available.

*As a coping mechanism. Problem gamblers seek the "zone out" or "in my own little world" effect. They feel the need to escape the stress, demands, and pressures of daily life.

*To climb the economic ladder. Some gamblers have the illusion, indoctrinated through advertising, that gambling can provide a steady income and money will solve their problems.

*To self-sabotage their success. Some problem gamblers feel uncomfortable with, guilty about, or undeserving of their success. Gambling is used as a tool for self-destruction. The reasons behind their need for self-destruction are rooted in the past which psychology can explain.

*Other reasons for a gambling addiction may be related to genetic factors and/or biological factors.  Family histories show that if you have a parent or anyone in your immediate family who is a problem gambler, you are at a much higher risk of becoming one yourself. This could be due to hereditary (genetics) or social learning behaviors where you learned from family members and peers growing up. Some researchers have found that pathological gambling is an addiction similar to chemical addiction and some pathological gamblers have lower levels of norepinephrine than normal gamblers.  Deficiencies in serotonin might also contribute to compulsive behavior, including a gambling addiction

* Thoughts are preoccupied with gambling.
* Increasing the amount wagered to get the same level of excitement.
* Failed in attempts to curtail or quit gambling, becomes restless and irritable when he can't control his impulse to gamble.
* Gambling becomes a means to escape from problems in life.
* Guilt, depression, helplessness, and anxiety become triggers for gambling.
* Chases loss until credit cards, bank cards are overextended and loans are used up.
* Denies and lies to friends and family on the magnitude of the problem.
* Commits crime such as fraud, forgery, embezzlement, and theft to finance gambling.
* Gambling becomes more important than career, education, relationships, and important opportunities in life.
* Becomes co-dependent--relies on others for money and emotional needs.

It is significant to note that teens are about three times more likely to become pathological gamblers than adults. This is the reverse of the case in most addictions, where the problem among adults is statistically more prevalent than among children and teens. For this reason, early education about the dangers of gambling addiction and information on how to get help for the problem is vital for preventing the disease. Problem and pathological gamblers across age groups also use tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs more often than do other groups.

Similarities between pathological gambling (adapted from Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery) and chemical dependency include an inability to stop/control the addiction, denial, severe depression, and mood swings. Pathological gambling and chemical dependency are both progressive diseases with similar phases. These include "chasing" the first win/high, experiencing blackouts and using the object of addiction to escape pain. Both pathological gamblers and persons addicted to alcohol or drugs are preoccupied with their addiction, experience low self-esteem, use rituals, and seek immediate gratification.

Unlike chemical addiction, pathological gambling is a hidden disease ­ gamblers do not stumble, have needles in their arm, or smell of cards and dice. Pathological gamblers cannot overdose in the conventional sense, but they experience tremendous financial problems that require immediate attention. More resources are available to chemical dependency than gambling addiction, in part because most people do not perceive gambling as potentially addicting. It is very important that pathological gamblers receive crisis stabilization at the beginning of their treatment, because pathological gamblers have a much higher suicide rate than persons addicted to alcohol or drugs.

One way to help you decide is to ask yourself the following twenty questions (provided by the self-help organization Gamblers Anonymous):

Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
Did gambling affect your reputation?
Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

According to Gamblers Anonymous, if you answer ‘yes’ to seven of more of these questions, you most likely have a compulsive gambling problem.

Gambling addiction is usually a progressive disorder. In most people, it begins slowly and grows until the victim's life becomes progressively unmanageable. As repeated efforts to gain control over the addiction fail, life for the compulsive gambler begins to fall apart. If the compulsive gambler could stop chasing losses, he/she would. All compulsive gamblers can stop gambling, at least for a while. But most people need professional help to stop for life.

If you are grappling with this addiction, seek professional treatment. Once you admit and address the problem, other pieces of your life will fall back into place. Treatment for compulsive gambling is similar to therapies for other addictions. Treatment and counseling options available for compulsive gamblers typically include:

Psychotherapy provided by a psychologist or other mental health professional.   Therapy, typically in the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, focuses on identifying unhealthy, irrational and negative beliefs and having you replace them with healthy, positive ones. Psychotherapy to explore the source of the psychological preconditions that might emanate from family and spousal relations may be explored to determine if that is a source of the void that is being filled by the destructive behavior.

Group therapy that enables an addict to tap into the advice, feedback and support from other people on how to deal with a gambling addiction.

Self- help programs by reading books and learning from the experiences of others who have gone through what you're going through.  Gamblers Anonymous provides self-help peer support and a 12-step program patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous.

Residential treatment programs organized and staffed to provide both general and specialized non-hospital-based interdisciplinary services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Residential treatment programs provide environments in which assistance is provided by personnel trained in the delivery of services for those with behavioral health disorders or related problems.

Inpatient treatment programs providing coordinated and integrated services in hospital settings. Inpatient treatment is provided 24 hours, 7 days a week, and there are daily therapeutic activities in which patients participate. The goal of inpatient treatment is to provide a protective environment that includes medical stabilization, support, treatment for psychiatric or addictive disorders, and supervision.

Outpatient Rehabilitation program. This type of program does not require patients to take time off from work, leave their families or enter a hospital as an inpatient.

The more you understand about a gambling addiction and other addictions, the better you can cope with them and with related problems. Reaching out for information and assistance can help you live a healthier and more fulfilling life. People who suffer from a gambling addiction and other addictions can get help from a mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker. For more information about a gambling addiction and other addictions, please click on the linked websites listed below.

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