About Problem Gambling

Whether or not your gambling is a problem depends on two things: how well you are able to control when and how much you gamble, and the degree to which your gambling has hurt you and/or others in your life.

There are roughly four types of gamblers ranging from those with no problems to those with many severe problems controlling gambling and coping with its results.

• Non-problem or recreational gamblers. These gamblers are able control when they gamble, how often they gamble, how long they gamble and how much they spend. Most non-problem gamblers gamble for fun, and are able to set and keep limits on time and money spent.
  
  
• At-risk gamblers have experienced a few problems as result of their gambling but by and large they have been able to control how much they gamble and have avoided piling up negative consequences. Because they have experienced some gambling related problems they are at increased risk of becoming problem gamblers. At-risk gamblers need to use caution when gambling.
  
  
• Problem gamblers have more numerous and more severe problems than at-risk gamblers. Often their problems are not simply one-time occurrences. For example some problem gamblers are late paying bills every month as a result of their losses. Or from time to time, some may miss a family commitment because of trouble pulling away from a card game or slot machine. Many problem gamblers are able to maintain enough control over their gambling to prevent more serious difficulties, but some may become pathological gamblers. Problem gamblers can be helped to reduce the consequences of gambling in their lives. (click here for “sources of help”)
  
  
• Pathological gamblers, commonly called compulsive or addicted gamblers, have the most serious form of gambling problem: the psychiatric disorder “pathological gambling”.

Pathological gamblers repeatedly fail to control or stop gambling and experience serious negative consequences as a result. They are pre-occupied with gambling and may need to gamble with increasingly large sums to derive the desired effect. They have very strong urges to gamble and experience cravings when trying to cut down or stop.

For pathological gamblers, gambling and the pursuit of money to finance it become all-important. Pathological gamblers may grow to depend on gambling to escape from life’s problems, lift a low mood and/or change how they feel about themselves. Many describe freedom from worry, relief from depression and feeling like a “winner” when gambling. For pathological gamblers the attraction is so strong that other parts of life may be neglected or sacrificed in order to continue gambling. Along with financial consequences, pathological gamblers damage, careers, reputations, mental health, self-esteem, coping ability, relationships with family and friends and spirituality. Usually they deny that the problems in their lives are gambling related. Often they see themselves as having a money problem and reason, “If only I had more money I could gamble long enough to win back what I’ve lost and solve my problems.” As the disorder progresses and life becomes more difficult, pathological gamblers often struggle to keep hope alive. Sometimes they become increasingly convinced that only more gambling will provide a solution. When desperate, pathological gamblers may commit crimes to finance gambling and/or they may become suicidal.

The good news is that pathological gambling is a highly treatable disorder. Sufferers can reduce the role of gambling in their lives and cope more successfully with their problems.
Many recovering problem and pathological gamblers report that life after gambling is more rewarding and satisfying than ever before.

Continue to “sources of help”