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GAMBLING ADDICTION - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
It is estimated that six percent of the population will
have a gambling problem during their lifetime
Gambling is believed to be rising due to the increasing
opportunities for gambling
Problem gambling can lead to financial and relationship
problems, and attempted suicide in some cases
Pathological gambling is more prevalent among men, ethnic
groups and lower socioeconomic groups
Treatment involves education, individual counselling,
and group therapy
There are several different treatment programmes available
Gambling addiction
Gambling is a form of entertainment for many people, but
in some cases gambling can become an addiction leading to
financial problems, relationship stress, and even attempted
suicide.
Gambling is believed to be on the increase as more opportunities
for gambling arise. Examples include casinos, sports betting,
slot machines in pubs and bars, telephone betting and gambling
over the internet. There are also more Gamblers Anonymous
groups in areas with legal gambling opportunities.
Gambling addiction is officially defined as 'a loss of
control over gambling and a driving need for the "rush"
gambling provides.
Problem gambling may be any behaviour which disrupts your
life either physically, mentally, socially or emotionally.
Studies have shown rates of suicide attempts among pathological
gamblers from 17 to 24 percent.
Pathological or compulsive gambling is an addiction characterised
by a need to gamble more often, to bet more money, and an
inability to stop gambling without becoming unhappy.
Gambling problems are more prevalent among men, ethnic
groups, and lower socioeconomic groups. Gambling addicts
are also more likely to smoke and abuse alcohol compared
to non-problem gamblers.
Patients with gambling problems believe their health is
worse than those without disorders, and may have more anxiety,
depression and stress-related problems.
Gamblers often fail to seek professional help. A New Zealand
study found just 27 of 50 patients interviewed had seen
a doctor in the past year and just one had told their doctor
about their gambling addiction. Doctors are now being encouraged
to ask about gambling behaviours in patients at-risk of
gambling.
Some signs of problem gambling:
Constantly thinking about and preparing for gambling sessions
Gambling more often and playing higher stakes to "win
back" lost money
Gambling during work or when you are expected at home
Gambling to escape from stress and pressure
Getting into debt from gambling and lying to borrow money
to gamble
Using illegal means to finance gambling
Neglecting family and other responsibilities
What can be done?
The most successful treatment programmes are believed
to involve both individual professional counselling and
group therapy.
Treatment involves education for the gambler and their
family, individual therapy, group therapy, relapse prevention,
and budget planning.
There has been little research into the effectiveness
of treatment programmes but studies have shown abstinence
rates which range from eight percent to 55 percent one year
following a treatment programme.
Getting help
Your doctor will be able to help refer you to a recovery
programme for counselling. There are several programmes
available for gambling addiction.
Compulsive Gambling Society Ph Auckland 09 623 1400
Gambling Problem Helpline Freephone 0800 654 655
The Salvation Army also runs the Oasis Centre for Problem
Gambling. Ph Auckland 09 846 0660
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