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What is Gambling Addiction?
When gambling is carried out moderately, it can often be enjoyed as a social or leisure activity. When carried out to excess, however, serious psychological disorders can develop with devastating consequences to both the individual and those close to them. Gamblers fall into two specific categories, compulsive (pathological) or problem gamblers:
Compulsive Gambling
Compulsive gambling is a type of impulse control disorder, whereby the individual often experiences a lack or loss of control over specific situations. Those with a gambling addiction often engage in recurrent maladaptive gambling that usually has catastrophic effects on their personal and professional life. Compulsive gamblers cannot control their impulse to gamble; it is all they can think about, regardless of the consequences to themselves or others.
Problem Gambling
Problem gamblers can have a problem without feeling totally out of control. Before the addiction has fully developed, gambling can still have a negative impact on the individual's behaviour; preoccupation, spending more and more time and money on it, ultimately affecting theirs and others lives. Problem gambling is believed to be associated with a number of health problems combined with anxiety, depression and guilt. Compulsive and problem gamblers exhibit similar behaviour, but they gamble for very different reasons:
Action Gamblers
Action gamblers are addicted to the thrill of risk-taking and the "rush" it produces. They often gamble in social settings, as part of the rush is to beat others, whether that be fellow gamblers or the environment they are gambling in, i.e. a casino. The often prefer to play card games, stock markets or sports betting.
Escape Gamblers
Escape gamblers usually gamble to numb emotional pain such as anxiety, loneliness and personal worries. It is a more isolated form of gambling where the individual can "switch off". It often includes activities such as lotteries, bingo and slot machines. |
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The Winning Phase
This phase often begins when the individual experiences a large win which leads to a feeling of elation and positivity around their gambling. Problem gamblers in particular believe they have a natural skill and that they are likely to continue with their success. They experience higher levels of confidence and begin to spend larger amounts of time and money on gambling.
The Losing Phase
Problem gamblers become more and more preoccupied with their gambling and begin to take greater risks. They start to gamble by themselves, borrow money, deceive loved ones and generally begin to see a slow decline in their circumstances. They often "chase" their losses in order to try and win back the money they have lost. 
The Desperation Phase
By this point, gamblers have usually lost control of their actions and are experiencing feelings of shame and guilt around their gambling; but they cannot control their urge and obsession to continue. Many often cheat and steal to fund their gambling addiction, and consequences can include a breakdown in family relationships, job loss and even criminal prosecution.
The Hopeless Phase
The hopeless phase is usually when the compulsive or problem gambler hits their lowest point, often referred to as "rock bottom". They believe nobody cares for them anymore and that they are beyond receiving help. They often develop suicidal thoughts or turn to mood altering substances, i.e. drugs and alcohol to numb their pain.
Signs and Symptoms of a Gambling Addiction
As there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms with a gambling addiction, it is often difficult to determine whether or not someone is addicted. Problem gamblers will often deny they have a problem and will go to great lengths to hide it. Friends and family should look for the following warning signs if they believe a loved one is addicted to gambling:
- Requesting money from family or friends
- Increased credit card activity or unexplained loans
- Loss of personal possessions due to alleged stealing
- Secrecy and control over household finances
- Unpaid bills and letters from debt collecting agencies
- Decreased savings and a general lack of money
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If you believe you have a problem with gambling, some or all of the following points could confirm your problem:
- Secrecy about your gambling
- Lying to family and friends about your activities
- Borrowing or stealing to fund your habit
- Gambling to solve financial problems
- Feelings of remorse and guilt around your gambling
- A need to keep increasing your bets
- Gambling to numb your pain or escape your worries
Seeking Help for a Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction can be successfully treated using a range of therapies, although Twelve Step programmes and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are believed to be the most effective forms of treatment. A residential rehab clinic can offer appropriate primary care, but follow-up aftercare is essential in order for the individual to continue their ongoing recovery process.
For further information regarding treatment programmes for gambling, please feel free to contact one of our First4Rehab advisors, either by phone or email. Or if you prefer, drop us a text on the mobile number listed below.
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