- Definition
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Treatment
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- Read Psychology Today articles on "Compulsive Gambling"
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Definition
A compulsive, or pathological, gambler is someone who is unable to resist impulses to gamble. This leads to severe personal and/or social consequences. The urge to gamble becomes so great that tension can only be relieved by more gambling.
There is a very fine line between problem gambling and gambling too much. The critical sign of problem gambling is often hidden from awareness, with denial. Many gamblers typically do not know they have a problem. Admitting you have a problem, or may have a problem, is the first step to recovery. Unfortunately this realization normally only surfaces when a problem gambler hits rock bottom.
SymptomsHow do you know if you are a compulsive or pathological gambler?
Although some people like to gamble occasionally, the pathological gambler usually progresses from occasional gambling to habitual gambling. As the gambling progresses, the gambler begins to risk more—both personally and financially. This often leads to severe personal problems, financial ruin and criminal behavior to support the gambling habit.
The most common symptoms are listed below:
- Occasional gambling becomes habitual
- Loss of control over time spent gambling
- Gambling continues, whether winning or losing, until all money is lost or the game is terminated
- Gambling until large debts are accumulated
- Lack of concern for society's expectations and laws
- Unlawful behavior may occur to support the habit and pay debts
Gambling is a common behavior that is not considered a disorder until the symptoms listed above are exhibited. The disorder shows similarities to substance dependence disorders and thus has similar symptoms. Initially, many gamblers report feeling high because of their success—this leads to increased gambling which in turn might result in more success, leading to overconfidence and risk-taking behavior.
Gambling addiction is a significant problem in the United States impacting adults of all ages and their families. It affects 1-3 percent of adults, men more often than women. It usually begins in adolescence in men and later in women. Until recently legal casino and sports betting were limited to two states. The growth of riverboat and Indian casinos, state and national lotteries, and Internet access to offshore sports and parlor betting, has dramatically increased access for all adults including seniors. Older adults are, perhaps, more vulnerable than other age groups given their greater dependence on fixed incomes and more limited ability to recover from gambling losses.
Health Hazards
Compulsive gambling comes along with health hazards. If not detected and treated early, this behavior might lead to estrangement from family and friends as well as financial and legal difficulties.
Compulsive gambling is a chronic condition: relapse after treatment is a real risk.
CausesThe cause of compulsive gambling is not known. One risk factor may be excessive alcohol use, which lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment.
To understand causes of compulsive gambling or pathological gambling, it is useful to explore causes of impulse control disorders.
Most people maintain self-control, even when angered or disturbed. But some people lose control and go into fits of rage, when confronted with these same situations.
TreatmentCompulsive gambling can be treated. Treatment begins with the recognition of the problem.
Treatment options include individual and group psychotherapy, and self-help support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous. This is probably the most effective treatment. It is a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Abstinence principles that apply to other types of addiction, such as substance abuse and alcohol dependence, are also relevant in the treatment of compulsive gambling behavior.
Recently, medications such as antidepressants have been shown to be beneficial in combination with psychotherapy.
Many people are able to gain control over their lives after undergoing treatment.
Prevention
Prevention is challenging and may not always be possible. Counseling may benefit people who are prone to compulsive gambling or other addictive behaviors. People who are aware that compulsive gambling affects close relatives might be at higher risk and should be especially careful.
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine
Last Reviewed: 03 Mar 2008Last Reviewed By: Michelle Bryner , Shawn Jordan
