Gambling
Addiction and The Problem Gambler
In the modern day World of Gambling, the typical gambler need not travel to Vegas or Atlantic City to satisfy the urge to gamble. In all likely hood gambling is available right in their own hometown... and if it isn't, all that is needed is an Internet hook up and anyone can gamble 24/7.
Legalized Gambling...
Legalized gambling is one of the most profitable industries in existence, and today it is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. The popularity of gambling, in all its forms, is evident in the increase in off-track-betting parlors and riverboat gambling casinos that dot the Midwest and the Mississippi Delta, and the billboards lining the highways depicting the action and excitement available to Casino Gambler.
For most patrons of the gambling industry, gambling is a fun and harmless form of entertainment. However, for the four to six percent of gamblers who become problem gamblers or suffer gambling addiction, it can be a devastating illness that negatively affects every aspect of their lives.
Gambling Defined...
Gambling can be defined as:
- The act of playing a game of chance for stakes or prize in the hope
of winning.
- The creation of a situation where there is a chance of either loss or
gain. This is the opposite of insurance, which either eliminates or reduces
the risk of loss and presents no chance of gain. the losing phase.
- To risk money or property on something involving chance or random outcomes. Basically the riskiest thing you can do with your money, hope you have fun.
The types of Gambling Games from which to choose include common casino games such as, Bingo, Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat, Roulette, Slots, Poker and more. Gambling also includes such things as lotteries, bookmaking (sports books and horse books), card rooms, bingo halls and the stock market.
Gambling Addiction...
Pathological, addictive and problem gambling, call it what you will, is a progressive disease that devastates not only the gambler but often any significant other with whom he or she has a significant relationship with.
Defined in 1980 by the American Psychiatric Association as a "disorder of impulse control"... pathological, addictive and problem gambling is an illness that is chronic and progressive. But if you fall into this catagory, all is not lost, because pathological, addictive and problem gambling can be diagnosed and treated effectively.
Gambling Addiction: The Three Phase Model...
Dr. Robert L. Custer, M.D., identified the progression of gambling addiction as having three phases of progression:
- Winning phase
- Losing phase
- Desperation phase
Winning Phase
During the winning phase, the typical gambler experiences a big win, or series of wins, that leaves them with the unreasonable expectation that their winning will continue. This is precisely what leads them to their feelings of Grandeur and excitement when gambling... which leads to the problem gambler increasing the amounts of their bets.
Losing Phase
It's during the losing phase that the gambler will begin bragging about past wins, and begin gambling alone, and begin to borrow money... either legally or illegally. The problem gambler will lie to family and friends, and become irritable, restless and withdrawn. Typically, the problem gambler's home life becomes increasingly unhappy, and they are unable to pay off debts which more often than not ends up leading to serious money problems. The problem gambler then begins to "chase" their losses, believing they must return as soon as possible to win back the money they've lost.
Desperation Phase
During this phase of the gambling addiction progression, there is a significant increase in the time spent gambling. The problem gambler will begin feeling remorse for their actions, and blame others, which simply ends up alienating family and friends. For some problem gamblers, the eventual outcome is to engage in illegal activities in order to finance their gambling misadventures.
Finally, hopelessness, suicidal tendencies (attempts), arrests, divorce, alcohol and/or other drug abuse, or an emotional breakdown will set in.
Gambling Addiction and Who it Affects
It is estimated that three percent of the adult population experiences a serious gambling problem that will lead to debt, family problems, job loss, criminal activity or suicide.
Gambling addiction affects the gamblers, their families, their employers and the community in which they live. As the problem gambler goes through the three phases of their gambling addiction, they spend less time with their family and friends, and spend more of their family's money on gambling until their bank accounts are depleted. In the end, many may steal money from their family members in order to support their gambling addiction and the need to recoup thier losses.
While at work, the problem gambler at times, will misuse company time in order to gamble, may have trouble concentrating on and finishing projects in a timely manner, and may even engage themselves in embezzlement, employee theft or other illegal activities.
There are many organization that work with employers to offer a comprehensive program of evaluation, treatment, counseling and support for employees and their families. Go to our Onlline Gambling Information Directory for links to websites that can help!
Gambling Addiction and Teens
Current research indicates that adolescent teens are as much as three times more likely than adults to become problem gamblers and suffer from gambling addiction. This should sound an alarm for the future...Online Gambling Help has something for everyone that enjoys the Gambling Experience!