Compulsive Gambling is Much More Than a Bad Habit
For people with friends or family members who make multiple trips to the casino, the card game or the horse track, gambling is more than a bad habit – it could be compulsive gambling, a recognized disorder that affects between one and three percent of adults in the U.S.
Experts believe people with a compulsive gambling disorder may have a hidden desire for self-harm, or are experiencing emotional factors like insecurity, inability to live in reality, or have low self-esteem. They have an uncontrollable desire or urge to gamble, even to the point of destroying their finances, relationships and lives. Many compulsive gamblers falsely believe they will be able to keep the gambling in check, and will also find ways to make it viable or “pay off” in some form.
A compulsive behavior, such as gambling, is marked by an inability to control the desire to perform the behavior, along with a sense of release of tension and/or gratification when the behavior is performed. Studies show that people who are compulsive gamblers are also more likely to have other types of mental illness or problems, such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety disorders. It is believed compulsive gambling may be caused by imperfect communications between certain areas of the brain, especially those that control emotions, feelings and responses to stress. Medications that correct brain imbalances have been shown to be effective in controlling the behavior.
Like many compulsive disorders, the gambler will often need increasing levels of the behavior to reach the same level of high. The disorder affects more men than women, and usually begins during the teenage years. Increasing levels of compulsive gambling are believed to be a product of new Internet forms of gambling and gaming.
A first step in treatment is recognizing the problem, and then counseling or group therapy may be helpful. Gamblers Anonymous is a national group therapy program that follows the traditional Twelve Step model as Alcoholics Anonymous does. The National Council on Problem Gambling may also be a helpful resource. Cognitive-behavior therapies with a counselor or therapist may help change destructive thought patterns and teach patients how to face uncomfortable feelings, rather than escape through gambling.
It can be difficult to determine exactly how much gambling indicates compulsive gambling disorder, but some experts suggest any gambling that is a problem should be addressed. In addition to the money lost during gambling, the amount of time spent away from work, family or other obligations is also a factor in determining if someone has a compulsive gambling problem. Additional signs may include lying to cover up the behavior, borrowing money to gamble and withdrawal from relationships.
Therapists and experts stress that recovery from problematic gambling requires a steadfast commitment to reducing the stressors that may increase the behaviors. Some patients benefit from releasing control of their money to a family member or professional; replacing gambling with other activities; and scheduling other time commitments that make a trip to the casino too difficult.
For family members and friends whose loved one is a compulsive gambler, it is suggested that they refuse to loan money to the gambler, seek support in group sessions and plan ahead for how they will address requests for money. Compulsive gambling, like many compulsive disorders, is a serious problem requiring support and treatment to achieve recovery.
