Mental Health
For most people, gambling is a social event done responsibly. For as much as 4% of all adults, though, gambling can disrupt their lives. About 2 million (1%) of adults in the U.S. meet the criteria for pathological gambling.
Another 4 to 8 million persons (2-3%) are problem gamblers. They are not pathological gamblers, but have problems due to gambling.
Signs & Symptoms
For Pathological Gambling
Pathological gamblers are addicted to gambling. They do 5 or more of these things:
* They are pre-occupied with gambling. They dwell on past gambling events, plan future gambling bouts, and/or think about ways to get money to gamble with.
* They need to increase the amount of money to gamble with to get a desired level of excitement.
* They have tried to control, limit, or stop gambling without success.
* They are restless or very cranky when they try to limit or stop gambling.
* They gamble to escape problems or to relieve negative feelings.
* They gamble to get even for past gambling losses.
* They lie to others to hide how much they are involved with gambling.
* They have stolen or done another illegal act to get money for gambling.
* They have lost a job, a relationship, etc., due to gambling.
* They rely on others to bail them out from money problems due to gambling.
Other Problems Pathological Gamblers Have
* They abuse alcohol or drugs.
* They sleep poorly.
* They are prone to stress-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, headaches, and mood disorders, such as depression.
* They have thoughts of suicide.
* They gamble constantly.
* They want to have wealth and material goods without working hard to get them.
* They think that money is both the cause of and solution to all of their problems.
* They feel important or “in control” and over-confident while betting.
Causes
Problem gambling occurs when gambling can’t be controlled. It may follow years of social gambling, but then may be set into motion by a stressful event or greater exposure to gambling.
Problem gamblers report that one or both parents had a drinking and/or gambling problem.
Treatment
Problem gambling is an illness. It needs professional treatment.
Questions to Ask
Self-Care / Prevention
Along with professional treatment:
* Learn all you can about gambling and its effects.
* Contact Gamblers Anonymous (GA).
* Ask your family and friends to help you take part in non-gambling activities.
* When you feel compelled to gamble, do something else. Exercise. Take a warm bath or shower. Spend time on a hobby.
* Get involved in school, church, and community activities. These can help distract you from gambling.
Resources
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine