Pathological gambling is marked by a strong urge to gamble despite the negative consequences. Pathological gamblers, as well as their families and friends, are not only affected financially, but personally and professionally as well. While many people are able to enjoy gambling as a leisure activity, pathological gamblers will often gamble until their last dollar is gone. A person prone to compulsive gambling may resort to lying to friends and family about their gambling habit and even commit theft or fraud in order to support their gambling addiction. They may spend a great deal of time gambling and neglect their work or family obligations as well.
Acceptance
Effective treatments are available for pathological gambling. According to Mayo Clinic staff, the first step toward recovery is acknowledging that there is in fact a gambling problem, and that it is out of the patient's control. For many people, acknowledging that they have no control over their gambling is the most difficult, yet most significant, step toward recovery. If a patient's family or friends have pressured them into seeking help, a patient may be nonchalant or even resistant to treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A specific form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly effective at treating pathological gambling. CBT involves working directly with a therapist who specializes in impulse control disorders. During therapy, the therapist works with the patient on identifying unhealthy habits and recognizing the feelings associated with them. This helps many patients to replace negative coping mechanisms with positive ways to handle their feelings. Group therapy may also be used as part of CBT, which helps patients receive advice and support from people who are in the same situation.
Medications
There is no medication formulated specifically for pathological gambling. However, pathological gamblers often suffer from depression. This may be an underlying condition that contributes to pathological gambling, or depression that occurs as a result of the consequences of gambling. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers are often effective for this. According to MedlinePlus, research has shown that opioid antagonists, which are commonly used for treating drug addiction, may be effective at treating pathological gambling. Further research is needed as it is still unknown who will respond to this kind of treatment.
Self-Help Groups
Self-help groups may be an effective treatment for some pathological gamblers, and are the least expensive treatment option. Many self-help groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, are organized by recovered pathological gamblers and are offered at little to no cost. This type of group meets on a regular basis, which gives everyone involved a sense of accountability to each other. They focus on abstinence from gambling as well as the development of spiritual values. Local self-help groups for pathological gambling are available in most cities.
Prognosis
Pathological gambling is a progressive disorder that continues to get worse without treatment. Additionally, like drug or alcohol addiction, it is a lifelong disorder that simply lies dormant when a patient is in recovery. This makes it important for anyone with a history of gambling addiction to avoid situations that trigger the urge to gamble and to maintain awareness of their feelings. Like the first sip of alcohol for an alcoholic, pathological gamblers who attempt to gamble occasionally as a leisure activity can very quickly relapse into full-fledged pathological gamblers.
