EAPAug2007PosterArticle


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Back To Home Page August 2007 EAP Topic "Gambling" The allure of gambling is everywhere in our society, from church-sponsored bingo and off-track betting parlors to office wagering pools and even the stock market. For some, gambling can become an addiction. Before long the losses, debts and pressures mount, taking their toll on your health and your relationships. Compulsive gambling is an illness that can be treated. When Gambling Becomes a Problem Casual gamblers enjoy activities such as occasionally visiting casinos and playing the lottery. Their gambling has not become a problem, and they are able to walk away after losing a certain amount of money. Pathological (compulsive) gamblers start out as casual gamblers, but begin to lose control of their desire to gamble. They continue to gamble and lose because the odds of winning are against them. However, to control the pain of losing, they gamble more. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes pathological gambling as a "disorder of impulse control" and a progressive and chronic illness that can be treated. Pathological gamblers may experience the following symptoms: · A preoccupation with gambling · Irritability when unable to gamble · Failed efforts to reduce or stop gambling · Gambling more frequently to achieve the desired excitement · Continuing to gamble despite the inability to pay debts Approximately three percent of adults experience a serious problem with gambling during their lifetimes. Typical consequences usually include significant debt accumulation, marriage and family conflicts, lost employment, substance abuse, criminal behavior and severe depression. Understanding the Addiction Psychologists believe that pathological gamblers are addicted to the action of gambling, not to money. Often, problem gamblers also are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Pathological gambling is an addiction that mimics chemical addiction. Both dependencies may include major depression, mood swings, an inability to control the addiction and denial. Though gambling may not be a physical addiction like heroin dependency, the suicide rate of pathological gamblers is much higher than for people addicted to drugs or alcohol. Perhaps due to their greater emotional immaturity or higher need for instant gratification, adolescents are three times more likely than adults to become problem gamblers. Other research suggests that some pathological gamblers have decreased levels of nor epinephrine (the brain chemical released during times of arousal and stress) than casual gamblers. Wagering and gambling activities may help boost these levels of nor epinephrine. Experts have classified the three stages of gambling addiction as: 1. The winning stage, in which the gambler usually has a big win that produces an unrealistic expectation that his or her good luck will continue. The excitement, wagering and size of wagers increase. 2. The losing stage, in which the odds catch up with the gambler and he or she begins to lose. The gambler may brag about past wins, lie to loved ones about his or her habits and borrow money to continue wagering. Gambling activities increase in the hopes of winning back losses. 3. The desperation stage, in which the gambler spends more time wagering. Losses mount, and remorse, hopelessness and depression set in. The gambler may blame others and distance himself or herself from family. As pathological gamblers progress through these phases, they spend less time with loved ones, causing a strain on relationships. They often neglect spouses and children. They drain financial resources as they spend more money trying to recoup losses and recapture the "high" feeling of winning. Gamblers may be tempted to steal money from family members and employers, pawn valuable possessions and lie to cover up their habits. Without treatment, a serious problem gambler risks losing everything: his or her family, assets, job and reputation. Treatment Options Like alcoholics, problem gamblers must accept that they have a problem and be willing to make a change for treatment to be successful. You must be committed to seeking and following through with treatment. Most importantly, you must try very hard to abstain from gambling any time in the future. However, willpower usually is not enough to overcome a pathological gambling problem. Seek professional help. Treatment may include: · Individual and group therapy · Antidepressant medications · Financial counseling (debt-management and budget-planning services) · Family counseling · Support groups (e.g., your local chapter of Gamblers Anonymous) Don't let a gambling problem ruin your life. Take control by seeking professional help and avoiding situations and environments where betting and gambling occurs. Realize that the statistical odds of consistently winning are against you and that you could invest your money and energy more wisely by saving for the future. Gamblers Self-Assessment Test Do you have a gambling problem? Members of Gamblers Anonymous are asked the following 20 questions to gauge the severity of their addiction (answer yes or no to each): 1. Have you ever lost time from work due to gambling? 2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy? 3. Has gambling affected your reputation? 4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling? 5. Have you ever gambled to get money to pay debts or solve financial difficulties? 6. Has gambling ever caused a decrease in your efficiency? 7. After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win back your losses? 8. After winning, do you have a strong urge to return and win more? 9. Do you often gamble until you run out of money? 10. Have you ever borrowed money to finance your gambling? 11. Have you ever sold anything to finance your gambling? 12. Are you reluctant to use gambling money for normal expenditures? 13. Does gambling make you careless with the welfare of yourself and your family? 14. Do you ever gamble longer than planned? 15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble? 16. Have you ever committed or considered committing an illegal act to finance gambling? 17. Has gambling ever caused you to have difficulty sleeping? 18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble? 19. Do you ever get the urge to celebrate any good fortune with a few hours of gambling? 20. Have you ever considered self-destruction as a result of your gambling? If you've answered yes to seven or more of these questions, you may have a gambling problem. Contact Gamblers Anonymous at (213) 386-8789 or www.gamblersanonymous.org. This information is brought to you by ©2007 ComPsych^® Corporation. All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only. It is always important to consult with the appropriate professional on financial, medical, legal, behavioral or other issues. As you read this information, it is your responsibility to make sure that the facts and ideas apply to your situation. If you accessing site from the store EMAIL US or call 1(800) 688-6330 and we will provide the information to you. Visits: