According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, or NCPG, problem gambling or gambling addiction is marked by a ongoing preoccupation with betting money and an urge to gamble despite monetary losses. Treatment programs for this addiction typically treat the compulsive and pathological behaviors that drive the addiction. The State of Oregon's Gambling Addiction Treatment Foundation, or OGATF, notes that there is no one specific treatment approach for gambling addiction, but psychotherapy and treatment of compulsive behaviors and underlying psychological traumas can be key to treatment.
Gambling as an Addiction
According to the OGATF, gambling addiction is a psychological condition in which an individual becomes preoccupied with gambling, and gambles with increasing amounts of money and with increasing frequency. The pathological gambler continues to gamble despite losing money, and he often gambles despite his efforts to stop. Experts at OGATF note that pathological gambling creates a change in mood, and sense of euphoria, similar to many addictive substances such as alcohol or illicit drugs.
Causes of Gambling Addiction
The OGATF notes that there are a number of potential causes for gambling addiction, and many problem gamblers have a complex psychological history that may predispose them to this addictive behavior. There are biological factors related to brain chemistry that may make some gamblers more likely to develop an addiction. This is related to the brain's processing of mood changes and pleasure. Some individuals have a tendency to develop a habit, such as substance abuse or gambling, that will trigger a pleasurable response. Over time this need becomes greater, and the behavior becomes a habit. The OGATF also notes that there are some social factors, such a childhood abuse and trauma, that may predispose certain individuals to addictive behaviors such as compulsive gambling.
Comorbid Treatment Conditions
According to a 2002 study by Grant et al. in "Alcohol Research and Health," problem gambling is more common in individuals with addictions to alcohol, and it is quite common that problem gamblers have to be treated for both conditions. According to this study, alcohol ingestion can often intensify gambling problems, and the use of alcohol can create barriers to effective treatment, as drinking often decreases impulse control. Similarly, a study by the OGATF found that 22 percent of problem gamblers reported alcohol abuse or dependence, and 20 percent reported drug abuse or dependence. Researchers in both studies note that concurrent treatment of these combined conditions can be very challenging.
Treatment Considerations
The OGATF notes that there are more than 400 methods of psychotherapy currently used in the United States. While there are many methods for working with addictions, little research has been dedicated to defining best practices for gambling addiction. The OGATF notes that, like any addictive condition, effective treatment can vary depending on the individual, and may require a combination of medication, psychotherapy and abstinence from gambling. The OGATF has advocated for more research and reporting of best practices from clinicians who have had repeated successes with specific treatment plans.
12-Step Recovery and Gambling Addiction
12-step recovery programs have a longstanding connection to the treatment of addictive behaviors. These programs, such as Gamblers Anonymous, or GA, advocate for the use of support groups, counseling and abstinence from the addictive behavior or substance. GA subscribes to the model that gambling addiction is a disease that can only be controlled by abstinence. Members are encouraged to attend fellowship meetings as a part of the treatment and recovery process because support from others in recovery is viewed as one of the most effective tools for maintaining abstinence.
