Gambling addiction can be split into two categories: problem gambling and pathological gambling. 1% of the United States population are pathological gamblers while an additional 2-3% are problem gamblers. Though the percentages may seem small, when you take the 318.9 million people in America, 1-4% of the population is between 3 million and 13 million people. Looking at those numbers, the prevalence of gambling addiction seems a bit scarier.
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- Problem gambling, also known as compulsive gambling, pathological gambling, or gambling addiction in laymen's terms, is a mental health issue that affects close to 0.5% of the population. It's characterized by the compulsive need to spend money on gambling and gambling without a stop.
- Gambling is an addiction so it defies logic. The only way to stop him gambling is to cut off his access to funds. Don't pay up his gambling debts. Once you pay up his debts he can get more credit and will start gambling again.
Gambling addiction or gambling disorder is defined as persistent and recurring problematic gambling behavior that causes distress and impairs your overall livelihood. Gambling addiction affects roughly 0.2% to 0.3% of the general U.S. Population, and tends to affects males more than females, though this gender gap has narrowed in recent years.
You might be curious what exactly constitutes a gambling addiction? If you have never been around someone who struggles with it, it may seem like a foreign concept. Mohegan sun casino pocono downs pennsylvania. Compared to the 1-2% who have a gambling addiction, 86% of Americans report having gambled. A large percentage of the population experiences little to no desire to continue.
Many people scoff at the idea of what they may consider 'throwing money away' at the card tables and flashing machines in smoke-stuffed casinos across the nation. However, for those with a gambling addiction, it's not as simple as 'just walking away from the game.'
What is gambling addiction?
In 2013, the 5th Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, added gambling addiction to their text. Officially called 'Gambling Disorder' in the DSM-5, the text diagnoses it as:
- Need to gamble with increasing amount of money to achieve the desired excitement.
- Restless or irritable when trying to cut down on or stop gambling.
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on or stop gambling.
- Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling venture, thinking of ways to get money to gamble).
- Often gambling when feeling distressed.
- After losing money gambling, often returning to get even (referred to as 'chasing' one's losses).
- Lying to conceal gambling activity.
- Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job or educational/career opportunity because of gambling.
- Relying on others to help with money problems caused by gambling.
As you can see from those criteria, gambling addiction is not as simple as getting stuck at a table for a few hands of Texas Holdem. Those with a Gambling Disorder have a serious inability to stop gambling, despite the impact it is having on an individual's life.
Some individuals with a gambling addiction experience periods where their symptoms are less severe and it may even appear that the problem has disappeared entirely. However, before long the addiction strikes with a vengeance, oftentimes even stronger than before.
Gambling addiction tends to run in families and begins to show anywhere from teenage years to later in adult life. Men's symptoms generally begin when they are younger while women's symptoms do not often start until later in their lives.
What makes gambling so addictive?
The American Psychiatric Association defines addiction as 'a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence.' However, as seen in the DSM-5 entry, addiction is no longer related to just substance abuse. Though they do not consider it an addiction by name, gambling addiction is just as real as being addicted to heroin or alcohol. Gambling addiction riddles an individual's life and has the potential to take away or destroy all that is important to them.
But what makes gambling so addictive? When someone with a gambling addiction wins a hand or spins a straight 777 on the slot machine, dopamine is released in the brain and creates a feeling of a thrill or a rush. It is not restricted only to casinos, though; gambling disorders can be triggered by scratcher cards, lotto tickets, horse races, or even Super Bowl football square pools. The chance of winning big triggers the gambler's brain to participate, often to disastrous extents.
While many people are able to be pleased with their winnings and walk away a few hundred or thousand dollars richer, an individual with a gambling addiction will not stop. They'll purchase more chips, withdraw money for more credits, buy another few scratcher cards, or participate in next week's lottery. The insatiable desire to win takes over and no loss can ever overcome the insistence that they will just win it the next time.
Why do people gamble even though it destroys their lives?
When asked why she continues to gamble despite the consequences, one gambler said, 'It's all about the thrill or the rush I get at the thought of winning something I don't have.' After being let go for calling out from work too often, she spent all of her unemployment money on scratcher cards from the liquor store. Once she used up all of her own money she borrowed money from her husband to continue her habit.
However, she kept it well hidden. As she was unemployed at the time it was most severe, her husband was unaware of the extent of her current problem. He knew she struggled with a gambling addiction but did not realize that she was spending all of her money on it. As she scratched the cards while he was away at work during the day, he never realized where all her money went until months later when she broke down and admitted to him that she had had a lapse.
Stories like these are all too common, especially in areas like Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City. Even sadder are those who are single and lack familial influence; with few people concerned with their spending habits and everyday activities, they have free reign to blow away hundreds of thousands and land themselves in crippling debts.
Gambling addiction and co-occurring disorders
The woman mentioned previously also struggled with alcoholism, incredibly common for individuals who experience gambling addiction. Those with Gambling Disorder have a high potential for co-occurring disorders such as drug and alcohol addiction or mental health disorders.
A co-occurring disorder is an individual with a substance dependence or substance abuse problem who also experiences mental health issues. As gambling addiction, or Gambling Disorder, is now categorized under the addiction category in the DSM-5, it could be considered co-occurring with either alcohol and drug abuse or a mental health disorder.
A study conducted in 2014 looked at the relationship between four mental health disorders (depression, mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD) and gambling. Their results showed that, of those studied, 86% of gamblers also experienced one or more of the four mental health disorders they were screened for.
It is estimated that 10 to 20% of individuals with substance use disorder also have experience as a pathological or problem gambler. Gambling is common among the drug- and alcohol-addicted population as a means of getting money to purchase substances. Though it isn't
Gambling addiction and legal troubles
Although gambling is a legal activity in many locations and most who gamble do not experience any addictive behaviors, for those with gambling addiction the story is different. Oftentimes once they run out of money, pathological and problem gamblers resort to illegal methods of obtaining more money to gamble. Theft, burglary, and
In places where gambling is illegal, gamblers will also run into trouble with the law for seeking out opportunities to bet.
How to treat gambling addiction
When seeking treatment for gambling addiction it is important to consult with a doctor about the possibility of a co-occurring disorder. With such large rates of co-occurring disorders in those with gambling addiction, well-rounded treatment is often necessary. It is difficult to manage the gambling problem without also addressing the other issues such as substance abuse and mental health disorders. If the co-occurring disorders are left untreated, the chances of recovery are minimal.
Once the co-occurring disorder is being treated, or if the gambler does not struggle with one, there are programs and other types of help available to help them address their gambling addiction.
Gamblers Anonymous
Based on the 12-step methods of Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program intended to help those with a gambling addiction. Originally founded in 1957 in Los Angeles, California, today Gamblers Anonymous has over 1,000 groups that meet worldwide. Through practicing the 12 Steps of Gamblers Anonymous, these men and women come together to work through their gambling problems and remain 'clean' from gambling. The 12 Steps also help those with gambling addictions to live their everyday lives as happier, healthier individuals.
A meeting directory for Gamblers Anonymous can be found here.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Though Gamblers Anonymous is incredibly beneficial in helping those with gambling addictions stop gambling, it is even more effective when used in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of therapy that focuses on the idea that what you think impacts the behaviors you make. By working on the habitual thought patterns of an individual, therapists hope to combat the impulsive behavioral patterns that are characteristic of a gambling addiction.
Treatment Programs
For those with extreme cases, in particular when in combination with a substance abuse problem, inpatient or outpatient treatment may be necessary. Inpatient treatment will separate an individual from the problem at hand and provide intensive programs with both a CBT and sometimes 12-step-based approach. Those in inpatient receive the opportunity to focus on treatment alone with few outside distractions to maximize the potential for recovery.
If intensive inpatient treatment is not an option due to work or school, outpatient treatment is another intensive way to address addiction issues head-on. Often offered in the evenings for those with daytime occupations, outpatient treatment provides care for a few hours a day, three to five days a week. Individuals learn to cope with daily life and manage triggering situations.
Both inpatient and outpatient prove to be helpful in initiating long-term recovery from substance abuse, but effectiveness on gambling has yet to be studied extensively.
What To Do When Husband Won't Stop Gambling
Problems with current gambling addiction treatment
In 2013, Dr. Flora Matheson and her researchers at St. Michael's Hospital's Center for Research on Inner City Health collaborated with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to look over the current literature and studies regarding drug use and gambling addiction. They noticed a high correlation between pathological and problem gambling and substance abuse, but also realized these individuals are not as responsive to the present methods of treatment.
There is a significant amount of people struggling with both substance abuse and gambling addiction, and treatment centers specific for their needs would prove to be beneficial. However, some treatment centers are beginning to incorporate the treatment of pathological and problem gambling into their programs due to the large amount of gamblers they see coming through their doors. In order to provide proper treatment for all patients, the issue of gambling addiction must be taken into consideration during treatment.
What To Do To Stop Gambling Without
As the awareness of gambling addiction increases, so will the number of treatment centers dedicated to the rehabilitation of these individuals. Additionally, greater numbers of existing treatment centers will equip themselves with the capabilities to provide the proper care. Like all addictions and mental health disorders, with more awareness comes more understanding.
Resources
'Prevalence of the Addictions' Steve Sussman, Nadra Lisha, and Mark Griffiths
'Gambling, Alcohol, and Other Substance Use Among Youth in the United States' Grace M. Barnes, Ph.D; John W. Welte, Ph.D; Joseph H. Hoffman, Ph.D; and Marie-Cecile O. Tidwell, Ph.D
'Pathological gambling, co-occurring disorders, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes at a university-based counseling clinic' Soberay A, Faragher JM, Barbash M, Brookover A, Grimsley P
'Co-Occurring Disorders' SAMHSA
What To Do To Stop Gambling Rules
'Links made between problem gambling and substance abuse, and lack of treatment options' St. Michael's Hospital
No one can stop a problem gambler from gambling. Not a husband, wife, child nor parent. Only the problem gambler himself has the power to do so. Most of the time, a problem gambler will only seek help when he/she hits rock bottom.
Why do people gamble even though it destroys their lives?
When asked why she continues to gamble despite the consequences, one gambler said, 'It's all about the thrill or the rush I get at the thought of winning something I don't have.' After being let go for calling out from work too often, she spent all of her unemployment money on scratcher cards from the liquor store. Once she used up all of her own money she borrowed money from her husband to continue her habit.
However, she kept it well hidden. As she was unemployed at the time it was most severe, her husband was unaware of the extent of her current problem. He knew she struggled with a gambling addiction but did not realize that she was spending all of her money on it. As she scratched the cards while he was away at work during the day, he never realized where all her money went until months later when she broke down and admitted to him that she had had a lapse.
Stories like these are all too common, especially in areas like Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City. Even sadder are those who are single and lack familial influence; with few people concerned with their spending habits and everyday activities, they have free reign to blow away hundreds of thousands and land themselves in crippling debts.
Gambling addiction and co-occurring disorders
The woman mentioned previously also struggled with alcoholism, incredibly common for individuals who experience gambling addiction. Those with Gambling Disorder have a high potential for co-occurring disorders such as drug and alcohol addiction or mental health disorders.
A co-occurring disorder is an individual with a substance dependence or substance abuse problem who also experiences mental health issues. As gambling addiction, or Gambling Disorder, is now categorized under the addiction category in the DSM-5, it could be considered co-occurring with either alcohol and drug abuse or a mental health disorder.
A study conducted in 2014 looked at the relationship between four mental health disorders (depression, mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD) and gambling. Their results showed that, of those studied, 86% of gamblers also experienced one or more of the four mental health disorders they were screened for.
It is estimated that 10 to 20% of individuals with substance use disorder also have experience as a pathological or problem gambler. Gambling is common among the drug- and alcohol-addicted population as a means of getting money to purchase substances. Though it isn't
Gambling addiction and legal troubles
Although gambling is a legal activity in many locations and most who gamble do not experience any addictive behaviors, for those with gambling addiction the story is different. Oftentimes once they run out of money, pathological and problem gamblers resort to illegal methods of obtaining more money to gamble. Theft, burglary, and
In places where gambling is illegal, gamblers will also run into trouble with the law for seeking out opportunities to bet.
How to treat gambling addiction
When seeking treatment for gambling addiction it is important to consult with a doctor about the possibility of a co-occurring disorder. With such large rates of co-occurring disorders in those with gambling addiction, well-rounded treatment is often necessary. It is difficult to manage the gambling problem without also addressing the other issues such as substance abuse and mental health disorders. If the co-occurring disorders are left untreated, the chances of recovery are minimal.
Once the co-occurring disorder is being treated, or if the gambler does not struggle with one, there are programs and other types of help available to help them address their gambling addiction.
Gamblers Anonymous
Based on the 12-step methods of Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program intended to help those with a gambling addiction. Originally founded in 1957 in Los Angeles, California, today Gamblers Anonymous has over 1,000 groups that meet worldwide. Through practicing the 12 Steps of Gamblers Anonymous, these men and women come together to work through their gambling problems and remain 'clean' from gambling. The 12 Steps also help those with gambling addictions to live their everyday lives as happier, healthier individuals.
A meeting directory for Gamblers Anonymous can be found here.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Though Gamblers Anonymous is incredibly beneficial in helping those with gambling addictions stop gambling, it is even more effective when used in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of therapy that focuses on the idea that what you think impacts the behaviors you make. By working on the habitual thought patterns of an individual, therapists hope to combat the impulsive behavioral patterns that are characteristic of a gambling addiction.
Treatment Programs
For those with extreme cases, in particular when in combination with a substance abuse problem, inpatient or outpatient treatment may be necessary. Inpatient treatment will separate an individual from the problem at hand and provide intensive programs with both a CBT and sometimes 12-step-based approach. Those in inpatient receive the opportunity to focus on treatment alone with few outside distractions to maximize the potential for recovery.
If intensive inpatient treatment is not an option due to work or school, outpatient treatment is another intensive way to address addiction issues head-on. Often offered in the evenings for those with daytime occupations, outpatient treatment provides care for a few hours a day, three to five days a week. Individuals learn to cope with daily life and manage triggering situations.
Both inpatient and outpatient prove to be helpful in initiating long-term recovery from substance abuse, but effectiveness on gambling has yet to be studied extensively.
What To Do When Husband Won't Stop Gambling
Problems with current gambling addiction treatment
In 2013, Dr. Flora Matheson and her researchers at St. Michael's Hospital's Center for Research on Inner City Health collaborated with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to look over the current literature and studies regarding drug use and gambling addiction. They noticed a high correlation between pathological and problem gambling and substance abuse, but also realized these individuals are not as responsive to the present methods of treatment.
There is a significant amount of people struggling with both substance abuse and gambling addiction, and treatment centers specific for their needs would prove to be beneficial. However, some treatment centers are beginning to incorporate the treatment of pathological and problem gambling into their programs due to the large amount of gamblers they see coming through their doors. In order to provide proper treatment for all patients, the issue of gambling addiction must be taken into consideration during treatment.
What To Do To Stop Gambling Without
As the awareness of gambling addiction increases, so will the number of treatment centers dedicated to the rehabilitation of these individuals. Additionally, greater numbers of existing treatment centers will equip themselves with the capabilities to provide the proper care. Like all addictions and mental health disorders, with more awareness comes more understanding.
Resources
'Prevalence of the Addictions' Steve Sussman, Nadra Lisha, and Mark Griffiths
'Gambling, Alcohol, and Other Substance Use Among Youth in the United States' Grace M. Barnes, Ph.D; John W. Welte, Ph.D; Joseph H. Hoffman, Ph.D; and Marie-Cecile O. Tidwell, Ph.D
'Pathological gambling, co-occurring disorders, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes at a university-based counseling clinic' Soberay A, Faragher JM, Barbash M, Brookover A, Grimsley P
'Co-Occurring Disorders' SAMHSA
What To Do To Stop Gambling Rules
'Links made between problem gambling and substance abuse, and lack of treatment options' St. Michael's Hospital
No one can stop a problem gambler from gambling. Not a husband, wife, child nor parent. Only the problem gambler himself has the power to do so. Most of the time, a problem gambler will only seek help when he/she hits rock bottom.
Even if you do not consistently gamble, you are still considered a problem gambler as long as you are unable to say no even if it's only on weekends or once a month. This is similar to the alcohol addiction problem called the weekend alcoholic syndrome. 'I don't always drink, but when I do, I don't know when to stop'.
What To Do To Stop Gambling
If you have have experienced some of these consequences of gambling and seek practical tips to help with your gambling problem, welcome. May you follow each and every method listed below to be a better you.
What To Do To Stop Gambling Sites
- Understand How Gambling Works
- Change Friends
- Involve Trustworthy People
- Play A Musical Instrument
- Stay Away
- Competitive Sports
- Charity
- Cut Credit Cards
- Clear Debts
- Use Debit Cards
- Organized Income
- Get A Part Time Job
- Remember Who You're Doing It For
- Get Help
Gambling is totally unethical. Consider that if you lose, you're out of money. If you win, the money you earn is at the expense of others' losses. Take a casino for instance. Notice how they prey on greed and hope to make huge profits. If we patron a casino, even if we win, we lose, because our hand is reaching into a tainted source. Being aware of where the money you win comes from diminishes the desire to take that kind of money.
You may have a group of friends whom you frequently associate with when gambling. Well, stop hanging out with them. Ever heard of the term 'birds of a feather flock together'?
Only people close to you who aren't judgmental and has your best interest at heart. One of the most important things in dealing with addiction is the support that you can get from responsible family members, relatives and friends.
Learn to play a musical instrument like the easily obtainable guitar. Or if you already know how to play a certain musical instrument, be better at it. At first it can be challenging but after you have successfully gone through the initial lessons, get addicted to the sense of achievement. Make yourself even better by covering your favourite songs and posting it on youtube. Get criticized and make it a challenge to be even better. Feel real good when you have become a master at what you do and get real genuine likes and praises. Here's the very first video of the Korean legend to get you motivated with.
This should be a no brainer. By all means possible, keep away from casinos or any kind of places that have gambling activities. Take a different route home from work if you must. If you have to, move to a new town that has a very low gambling presence and start a new life. If you live in the US, know that Hawaii and Utah are the only 2 states that has a blanket ban on gambling.
The word competitive gives you an adrenaline rush. Working together to compete with another team will keep you on edge. Join your local athletic club, train to be better in a teamwork sport and take your game to the next level. Basketball, soccer, tennis, table tennis, baseball, badminton and volleyball are some of the more popular, fun, engaging sport enjoyed all over the world.
Help those who have less than you. According to Science, a team of economists and psychologists at the University of Oregon have found that giving to charity activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure. Volunteer at your local animal shelter and help save strays, run adoption drives. Give your time to nursing homes, orphanages, hospices, soup kitchens. Donate anything you have no use of anymore, but may still be useful to others, to organizations like The Salvation Army, Tzu Chi, Goodwill, etc.
The golden rule of personal finance has always been 'Never spend more than what you make' and credit cards ENCOURAGE you to actually spend more than what you have. Cut up all your credit cards right now.
Minimize expenses. Really change your lifestyle. Stop your cable tv subscription, start eating at home more, stop drinking alcohol, stop shopping for anything that you do not need. Pay off debts with the highest interest first. Actually, this point relates to a lot of other people, not only problem gamblers.
Debit cards are as clean and as useful as credit cards with zero risks. You only spend what you have. You can refuel your car, shop at supermarkets, pay for mortgages and almost everything else, just like a credit card. It's exactly like cash in your pocket. Have it loaded up to what you'll need before you pay and reap the benefits that come from using debit cards. You know you are in control of your life when planning ahead becomes a habit.
Limit your access to cash. If you do not have money on your person, you will be less apt to impulsively go out and gamble this money away. The only time casinos won't let you gamble is when you don't have what they want. Money.
Know EXACTLY how much you NEED to SURVIVE each week. Whatever salary that's left in the month after paying off bills and debts, have it divided into joint savings account of 1 or 2 people that you trust most. Let's just say for example, you need $200/week on meals and transportation. Have them give you the weekly money instead. Then divide the weekly money into daily expenses, taking with you only what you need daily. That way, they help keep track of your financial life and at the same time, help you get financially disciplined. Eventually, you'll learn to manage your money better.
This will keep your mind off gambling while helping you clear your debts faster.
Print out pictures of people who love you and put them up in your car, office, bathroom door, etc. Let love be a reminder to you everyday so that you may stay on the right path.
gamblersanonymous.org is a very good site to start with. Browse the site and locate a group meet near you. Recovering in numbers may sound funny, but joining a group of fellow recovering gamblers gives you strength and power over gambling. You help each other triumph over a common enemy. You make lifelong friends who will always understand and care.
What To Do To Stop Gambling Casinos
Read more about the other 13 dreadful addictions affecting society today.
