Gambling addiction
Gambling addiction is an illness, not
a financial problem.
It starts out as a recreational
activity and progresses to a compulsive behaviour, which becomes the main focus
of a gambler's life.
Compulsive gambling has mental,
physical and spiritual manifestations and consequences.
The main symptom of this addiction is
denial and the major characteristics are loss of control, preoccupation, chasing
the losses and continuing despite negative consequences.
Anxiety
and depression, low self-esteem and immaturity often underlie this addiction.
However, the person has to stop gambling first before they can be helped with
any other issues.
Gambling addiction has a devastating
effect on family life and relationships.
Not all gamblers are gambling addicts,
such as not all drinkers are alcoholics.
Total avoidance of betting and all
games of chance as well as therapy are called for to address this addiction.
What is
gambling addiction?
Compulsive gambling is a progressive illness, which starts out as a
recreational activity and ends up being destructive to both the gambler and
his/her families. Compulsive gambling has mental, physical and spiritual
consequences. The main symptom of this addiction is denial and the major
characteristic is loss of control. There is also a tendency to take bigger and
bigger risks as time goes by.
Like
alcoholism, it is an illness, which cannot be cured, but which can definitely be
arrested. One of the main symptoms of gambling addiction is that it becomes an
overriding passion that permeates all aspects of the gambler's life. Inability
to stop gambling and continuing to gamble despite negative consequences are also
characteristics of gambling addiction.
Winning,
losing and desperation are the three phases of compulsive gambling. There are
both social and economic costs involved when someone is addicted to gambling.
These include poverty, starvation, family disintegration and criminal behaviour.
People who gamble to excess often suffer from feelings of depression and
anxiety, as well as muscular tension, fatigue, headaches and high blood
pressure.
Employees who have a gambling addiction also do not perform well at work as they
are preoccupied with the next bet, money problems, where to get money, etc.
Engaging in criminal activities in order to fund the gambling habit becomes a
reality for many gambling addicts.
Who is
at risk?
Research has shown that gambling addiction seems to increase with
availability and accessibility. People who are on low incomes or unemployed are
vulnerable to gambling addiction. People who are thrill-seekers and who act
impulsively are also at risk. Young men between 16 and 30 playing fruit and slot
machines as well as betting on horses are more at risk for becoming gambling
addicts. Older women tend to go more for scratch cards, and bingo, as well as
slot machines.
Gambling
addiction is something that can happen to anybody.
Causes
of gambling addiction
There is no single cause of gambling addiction – one is either
predisposed to it or not. However, there appears to be a genetic component as
people with any addiction history in their families are at increased risk of
developing this problem.
Gamblers
Anonymous provides some insight, in that three qualities are isolated that seem
to be inherently present in gambling addicts: an inability and unwillingness to
accept reality, emotional insecurity and immaturity, which translates into an
unwillingness to grow up and accept responsibility. There is also evidence to
support the fact that many gamblers subconsciously want to lose because they
want to punish themselves.
Course
of gambling addiction
Compulsive gambling usually begins in early adolescence in males and
at a later age for females. Some people are fascinated from the time of their
initial exposure, but for others the process is more gradual, until they
suddenly have a big win, or there is some other stressor bringing on a period of
compulsive gambling. Usually, people who go on to become gambling addicts, have
a big win early on in their gambling experiences.
Gamblers
Anonymous defines gambling as follows: Any betting or wagering, for self or
others, whether for money or not, no matter how slight or insignificant, where
the outcome is uncertain or depends upon chance or 'skill' constitutes gambling.
Social
gambling and professional gambling should not be confused with gambling
addiction. In the former, gambling usually takes place as a social activity for
a brief period of time and losses are predetermined and within certain limits.
Professional gamblers tend not to take big risks and are often very disciplined.
Risks are often also split between a number of people as are winnings. Gambling
addicts have a tendency to gamble by themselves and to gamble until they have
nothing left.
As time
goes by, gambling addicts tend to bet larger and larger amounts, take greater
and greater chances, gamble more frequently and become progressively more and
more obsessed with gambling and getting money with which to gamble. Periods of
stress or depression tend to exacerbate gambling activity. The process of
winning, then losing, followed by desperation, is a known cycle in the world of
the gambling addict.
Signs
and symptoms of gambling addiction
Depression, and a deterioration of physical and emotional health are
general signs and symptoms of a gambling addiction.
The
gambler becomes moody, withdrawn and irritable and preoccupied with gambling,
winnings of the past and getting hold of more money with which to gamble.
Gambling
addicts may start to borrow or steal money, either from family members,
employers or both, with which to gamble and will often carry on gambling until
they have nothing left at all. They will let bills go unpaid while spending
available money on their gambling pursuits. They will try, unsuccessfully, to
put a stop to their gambling. Larger and larger amounts will be needed to
produce the same sense of excitement – a state of escapist euphoria, which is
used to counteract feelings of anxiety and depression. A gambler will often lie
to others about the extent of the money at stake or the risks taken.
The bank
accounts of family members will sometimes be accessed, jewellery and household
goods pawned, money taken from employers or money accessed on credit cards or
overdrafts – all for the purposes of gambling.
Significant relationships start suffering severely, with marriages often ending
in divorce and relationships breaking up. Jobs are often lost and studies
interrupted or ended. Often others are relied on to help the gambling addict out
of a desperate financial situation.
Family
relationships suffer greatly when the breadwinner is a gambling addict. There is
loss of trust, worry, despair and fear. Characteristically there is also a lack
of funds for family activities and a general atmosphere of tension and anxiety
in the family home.
The
gambling addict often has fantasies about the great life of luxury easy and
quick money will buy for him or herself, family and friends. Sadly, this is
seldom realised as most winnings are gambled away again.
How is
it treated?
Extensive therapy, preferably in groups, is the only way to treat
gambling addiction. It is essential that the person concerned acknowledges the
progressive illness and has a real desire to stop. Continued denial about this
disease will result in the failure of therapy.
A
compulsive gambler can never gamble again – not even on a small scale. A
complete change of lifestyle is called for here. People who have had a problem
with compulsive gambling in the past never seem to be able to gamble on a small
scale or in a responsible manner again. The old obsession returns again and the
same destructive behaviour patterns come to the fore once more.
Compulsive gamblers also have to be aware of possible triggers for relapse such
as alcohol or other drug use. Most compulsive gamblers should avoid the use of
other substances altogether as cross addiction may occur (the person substitutes
one addiction for another).
As with
other addictions, an addict cannot simply exercise willpower to stop. Admission
of powerlessness against gambling and willingness to get involved in therapy
with a professional and attendance of Gambling Anonymous meetings have a far
greater long-term success rate. Gambling addiction, like alcoholism, is an
illness, and should be treated as such.
Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders may also be present in someone
with gambling addiction. If this is the case, antidepressants may be prescribed.
Test
yourself
Below are 10 questions from the US National Council on Problem
Gambling on gambling behaviour.
1. Have you often gambled longer than
you had planned?
2.
Have you often gambled until your last cent was gone?
3.
Have thoughts of gambling caused you to lose sleep?
4.
Have you used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?
5.
Have you made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling?
6.
Have you broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance your gambling?
7. Have you borrowed money to finance
your gambling?
8. Have you felt depressed or suicidal
because of your gambling losses?
9.
Have you been remorseful after gambling?
10. Have you gambled to get money to
meet your financial obligations?
If you
or someone you know answers "Yes" to any of these questions, consider seeking
assistance from a professional regarding this gambling behavior.
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