Dr David Spencer discusses the behaviours associated with problem gambling.
Of problem gamblers male to female ratio is 3:2 - most men and almost all women diagnosed use pokies.
Pathological Gambling is a recognised psychiatric disorder of impulse control. Interestingly there is increasing evidence of a genetic basis for pathological gambling. Studies have suggested serotonin deficiencies being responsible for compulsive behaviours including gambling - lower levels of noradrenalin have also been implicated
Symptoms of Pathological Gambling include: preoccupied with the idea of gambling; increasingly needful of gambling to generate excitement; repeatedly unsuccessful in controlling or reducing their gambling; restless and irritable when attempting to stop or cut back; often gambling to escape problems or mood changes; often 'chasing' their losses; lying to family members, therapists and others to conceal their gambling; increasingly committing illegal acts to finance their gambling; found to have serious relationship disruptions as a result of gambling; often relying on others to provide money for their financial situation.
Problem gamblers include those who suffer a degree of harm as a result of their behaviour but impulse control disorder may not necessarily be present.
There are 4 phases documented in the development of problem gambling:
1. Winning: Around 75% of problem gamblers have a history of a significant win when gambling starts. This appears to positively reinforce the belief that success is possible and that it is an easy income source.
2. Losing: Probability means that eventually all gamblers will lose over time. (House odds are always greater than 50%). Debts accumulate and the gambler attempts to win back losses. ‘Chasing' these losses causes a rapid escalation of frequency and intensity of gambling and spiralling financial difficulties. Gambling is the cause of the problem but is also seen as the possible solution.
3. Desperation: After income sources and savings are depleted the gambler turns to illegal and antisocial means to support the practise. These include borrowing and theft. The pressure to conceal the problem causes anxiety and relationship conflict.
4. Hopelessness: The recognition that debts are no longer manageable leads the gambler to lose any sense of proportion. Gambling becomes excessive and erratic until disclosure seems inevitable. Depression and suicide risk is greatest.
Treatment
Counselling and encouragement are vital and can be performed via a GP or psychologists - particularly using cognitive behavioural therapy, to counter the erroneous beliefs that gamblers often have regarding their likelihood of winning and their ability to control their losses. It is important to acknowledge the impact on the family and provide couple and family therapy also.
Information is invaluable when treatment starts and can be found via the following avenues:
Specialised counselling services are available including Gamblers anonymous www.gamblersanonymous.org
The National Association for Gambling Studies is another resource which can be offered to people www.nags.org.au
