Gambling Addiction or Problems with Gambling
What is Gambling Addiction?
Complicated to define and difficult to agree on, Gambling Addiction, Problem Gambling or Compulsive Gambling is defined in many different ways. It has been defined as folows:
“A progressive disorder characterised by a continuous or periodic loss of control over gambling; a preoccupation with gambling and with obtaining money with which to gamble; irrational thinking; and a continuation of the behaviour despite adverse consequences.”
Why do people become addicted to Gambling?
It has been suggested that there are 6 possible reasons for becoming addicted to gambling:
1. To cope with difficult or traumatic life experiences
2. To win back previous losses
3. In the pursuit of thrills or stimulation
4. To cope with daily stress
5. The illusion that one can get rich or earn a living
6. It is a self-destructive tool for those seeking this
Is Gambling Addiction like Drug Addiction?
As with drug or alcohol addiction the act of gambling has a similar effect on pleasure chemicals in the body when the Gambler is in action. The Gambler will experience a high in very similar ways to that of a drug or alcohol user or addict.
Problems with Gambling Addiction
Gambling Addiction or Problem Gambling can have many serious consequences for the individual or family/loved ones. Below is a list of possible problems that a Gambler may experience:
* Large debts that take a long time to pay off or appear insurmountable
* Relationship problems with spouse, friends, and family members
* Loss of reputation in the community
* Loss of job
* Poor performance in school; if problem persists, dropping out of school
* Problems with the law if fraud, theft and other crimes are involved.
* Problems with mood swings and physical problems such as losing or gaining weight.
* Thoughts of suicide.
Treatment for Gambling Addiction
Gambling Addiction can be treated. Some would argue there is no cure but the problem behaviour can be halted.
It has been shown that counselling/1-1 therapy, 12-step based treatment and fellowship groups such as Gamblers Anonymous and peer support are extremely effective in treating Gambling Addiction and Problems with Gambling.
Recently a number of Residential Treatment Centres and clinics have developed programmes to address the issue of Gambling Addiction and a high degree of success is reported.