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EARLY SIGNS OF COMPULSIVE GAMBLING

Pathological Gambling

Pathological or compulsive gambling has often been thought of as immoral, decadent, criminal, insane, weak-willed and irresponsible behavior. Today most authorities and several agencies are teaching a different view of this problem. Gambling is now considered a pathological addictive disorder, similar to addiction to alcohol and other drugs.

Just as alcoholism is treatable, so is an addiction to gambling. The success of Gamblers Anonymous and a few treatment programs modeled after alcoholism treatment programs has made recovery and lifelong abstinence from gambling a reality.

Dual addiction

Pathological gambling is sometimes accompanied by other addictions. A compulsive gambler may be an alcoholic, or an alcoholic may be addicted to gambling. The addictions can coexist, or one can develop during recovery from another. Being addicted in one sense does not make us immune to other dependencies.

Early intervention is beneficial, as it is with any primary addiction. Relapse is the ultimate outcome of unrecognized secondary addictions.

This information is intended to aid in early recognition and intervention of pathological gambling. The following signs and symptoms will be useful for assessing primary addiction and dual addictions.

Early Diagnosis of Pathological Gambling

The American Psychological Association describes compulsive gambling as a disorder or impulse control. The Diagnostics Standards Manual III (American Psychiatric Press, 1980) lists the criteria for the diagnosis of compulsive gambling on pages 292-293.

In short, a person may be diagnosed as a compulsive gambler is he or she has been unable to control chronic gambling; if the gambling has continued despite harm to the family and personal problems; and if the characteristics defined by the Diagnostic Standards Manual III are present.

Unfortunately, most compulsive gamblers are not diagnosed until late chronic stages of the disease. Co-workers, employees, courts and even family members do not perceive a gambling problem until most or all of the criteria for diagnosis are apparent. This does not have to be the case. A definite pattern of pathological gambling behavior becomes evident early in the person’s life and can be observed and documented. The early signs are valuable in recognizing the need for intervention.

What to look for:

Time spent gambling. A person may have a gambling problem when the time spent gambling is excessive by the standards of the community or when the time spent gambling is out of proportion with the person’s other activities. A sports fan who invariably watches the Saturday and Sunday football games could be in trouble. For example, if this person begins watching two or three games at the same time on television while listening to another on the radio. He or she may not admit to betting on the outcomes of those games.

Focus on gambling. When the person shows a special excitement in going to new gambling spots or rearranges his or her schedule to permit more time for gambling activities, he or she may have a problem. When the person gives the impression that a change in gambling activities will bring him or her good luck, the person could be in trouble.

Size of bets increases. This is often a sign of chasing lost bets and trying to catch up. Often, the beginning of the compulsion to gamble is apparent by the person’s tendency to place larger bets and bet more frequently.

Special occasions. A person may have a problem if he or she insists on a honeymoon or vacation where gambling is available, or if he or she invents reasons to travel to gambling spas. In comparison, social gamblers may go to gambling places and even look forward to the trip, but social gamblers will not got at the risk of offending others.

Bragging. Social gamblers may talk about their winnings, but not to the extent that they need to relive a win. Boasting about wining and minimizing losses are prime signs of compulsive gambling. The need for recognition and displays of power are often so important that compulsive gamblers flaunt possessions or large amounts of money.

Crisis resolution. A compulsive gambler will often gamble to feel good when he or she is faced with a crisis. Gambling while facing a disappointment is another prime sign of this compulsion. Gambling is sometimes used to celebrate good fortune, birth of children, job promotions, or pay raises and to mourn deaths.

Excessive absences. Frequent, unexplained absences from work or home are characteristics of a gambling problem, particularly if the person is concealing how time is spent. A compulsive gambler will often spend an excessive amount of time on the telephone. This is particularly important if he or she is secretive about the nature of those conversations. A person who is often absent from his or her workstation or family activities to make phone calls is suspect. Absence from work or family celebrations to attend a card game or go to the track may also indicate addiction to gambling.

Mood swings. Addictive behavior is characterized by severe mood swings in most people. Compulsive gamblers experience highs when they win and lows when they lose. Often, mere plans of gambling are enough to cure the person’s low mood, and he or she may show grandiose elation. When gambling is discussed, he or she will often display hostility; spouses and children will sense belligerence and not know why. The gambler is under constant pressure for action and can rarely find peace, even when winning.

Hidden funds. Secret loans, withdrawal from family back accounts and hidden deals are signs of betting to catch up. When caught at one of these actions, the gambler will lie and minimize the importance of the event. While a social gambler will work to make up lost funds, addicted gambler will scheme to acquire funds.

Is there hope? Several professional groups and Gamblers Anonymous believe hope exists. Like other addictions, gambling is treatable. For more information about suspected gambling problems contact your EPA or:

Gamblers Anonymous,
(213) 386-8789,
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

Remember your Employee Assistance Program is:
• Confidential: All information is kept strictly between you and your counselor
• Informal: A simple phone call starts the process and there’s no red tape.

For assistance call Hidalgo Health Associates at:
800-448-4470