Compulsive gambling, like alcoholism, is a disease. It is categorized as a type of impulse control disorder in which the gambler is addicted to betting no matter the consequences. Compulsive gamblers keep putting their money on the table even when they know their gambling is hurting themselves and their loved ones. A true compulsive gambler would bet his last quarter instead of using it to call for help from a pay phone.
'A Progressive Addiction'
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, NCPG, problem gambling is behavior that "causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational." This definition includes compulsive gambling, "a progressive addiction" characterized by preoccupation with gambling, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, the need to bet more money more frequently.
This type of gambling behavior evidences increasing loss of control and persistent gambling regardless of the negative consequences. Other signs of problem gambling include a defensive attitude about gambling, increasing secrecy over money and finances and growing desperation for money to gamble.
Identifying Problem
If you or someone you know can answer "yes" to any of these questions, the NCPG suggests getting help from a professional therapist familiar with addictions: Do you often gamble longer than you planned? Have you often gambled until your last dollar was gone? Do you use your income or savings to gamble, while not paying bills? Have thoughts of gambling disturbed your sleep?
Have you made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling? Have you broken the law or considered breaking the law to keep gambling? Has your gambling ever left you depressed, remorseful or suicidal? Have you borrowed money to finance your gambling? Do you gamble to get money for financial obligations?
Gamblers Anonymous
Most people with a gambling addiction find it very difficult to change their behavior on their own. Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program modeled on the highly successful Alcoholics Anonymous. Recovering gambling addicts find help and support from the group as well as the 12 steps, which require an admission of personal powerlessness and a decision to rely on a higher power to remove their addiction.
The program also includes a self-inventory as well as restitution for harms done others as well as to the gambler himself. Regular attendance at GA meetings helps members to maintain their recovery as they share their experience, strength and hope with each other.
GA operates a toll-free hotline in the United States to find meetings and learn more about the program: 888-424-3577.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Another approach to compulsive gambling is cognitive behavioral therapy. Working with a therapist, the gambler learns methods of changing old behaviors by recognizing the rationalizations and false beliefs that led them deeper into their addiction. The goal is to have the gambler to see his addiction in a new light and to exercise awareness about the dangers of a relapse.
Some tactics for the gambler based on cognitive therapy include getting rid of all credit cards and carrying only minimal amounts of cash; stop and think of the consequences if you get an urge to gamble; keep yourself busy with other activities; tell the gambling casinos to prevent you from gambling.
Support for the Family
The family of a compulsive gambler also needs support if the addict is to recover. Gam-Anon, a 12-step support group patterned after Alanon for families of recovering alcoholics, provides peer support through sharing and discussion. It may be expedient for the non-gambling spouse to manage the family's money while the gambler recovers. Also, if you are the spouse of a problem gambler, consider how to respond to requests for money when the gambler is dishonest, manipulative, pleading or threatening.
