Gambling is everywhere. Lottery tickets, casinos, poker tournaments, Stars tours and televised tournaments appearing on mainstream TV, gaming seems to be everywhere, and everyone seems to be doing it. 4i51k
Gambling is part of American culture. For most, it is simply an enjoyable pastime. Based on a study by the National Council on Problem Gambling, for up to 3% of the population of the United States however, gambling is no longer hobby. The fun for these folks ended long ago. The NG estimates that for 7.5 million Americans, gambling has become problematic, perhaps a full-blown addiction, with an additional 5,000,000 Americans considered “at-risk” for addiction, as gambling continues to exist as part of mainstream American culture.
Gambling as an Addiction 6m54i
Addiction is a word used liberally in today’s culture. The idea that one can be addicted to drugs or alcohol is nothing new, but in recent years, there have been a realization that it isn’t simply chemicals that cause addictive behaviors. Today, our understanding of compulsion and addiction extend to a variety of activities, such as overeating, sex, and of course, gambling. As our understanding of addictions has changed from a defect of character to that of an actual disease of mind and body, addiction medicine has moved out from behind the shadows, and into mainstream culture. New studies on addiction continue to offer insight as addiction is recognized as a brain disease, not simply a behavioral disorder. Clear differences can be seen when examining the addicted brain under Magnetic Resonance Imaging when compared to its non-addicted counterpart.
The Action Gambler 1j3y22
Experts in addiction have seen a dramatic increase in the number of gambling addict saw himself as energetic, assertive and persuasive, his apparent confidence belied a deep insecurity and low self-esteem. Gambling seemed the perfect antidote. The composite gambling addict of yesteryear is now called the “Action Gambler”.
Action gamblers prefer dice on a craps game.
Today, action gamblers are still most often men, but more and more, as casinos have increased in popularity, and gambling has become more mainstream, women are beginning to reach the same point of no return. Rehab centers and 12 step groups report dramatic increase in the number of women and teens seeking treatment as gambling has become interwoven into American culture, and the stigma of the seedy pool halls and back room card games has disappeared.
Stages of Addiction-Action gambler f4r2u
With action gamblers, there are 4 stages of addiction. The first stage, or the Winning Stage, followed by the Losing Stage. Once the addiction grows more serious, the addict enters the Desperation stage, and then finally, tragically, the Hopeless stage. Typically, with action gamblers, it can take anywhere from 10 to 30 years to completely reach the point of hopelessness that defines the final stage of addiction. It’s a long, hard road, filled with many ups and downs, wins and losses, until finally the gambler loses almost everything.
The Winning Stage b5ql
The Winning Stage of addiction is at the beginning. The new gambler is enamored with his or her new pastime, is well and the games were excitable and enjoyable. The gambler feels powerful, a winner! Gambling becomes a way to ease the feelings of discontentment with themselves, their life. Unfortunately, this stage doesn’t last long, typically from 3-5 years. It is quickly and sometimes brutally followed by the Losing stage.
The Losing Stage 4p5e5r
The Losing stage is the when the first inkling of a problem becomes evident. Often during this period, the gambler can’t seem to quit at the right time. The big win is right around the corner, the next hand, or the next roll of the dice. During each hand of cards, the gambler feels a rush of endorphins, similar to what a drug may play until his money is gone. Oblivious to the true nature of the problem, he feels his luck has changed, and if he simply gets the “right” cards, he will be back on top again.
Stage of Desperation 4du1a
The addict then enters the Desperation stage. Now the gambler is regularly lying about the change at this point. Many gamblers may have issues maintaining employment. Others experience massive panic attacks, insomnia, and periods of great remorse. They are stuck in the cycle of abuse and can’t seem to do anything to help themselves.
The Stage of Hopelessness 6m1s15
Finally, the Hopeless stage, the final stage of addiction, become the gamblers reality. At this point, they no longer get any pleasure from They know they are addicted and have spent years trying to stop, but to no avail. Once they reach this final stage, many gamblers consider suicide. Financial difficulties have become commonplace, and often the gambler sees no other way out. For those who don’t get help, death or jail seems to be the last stop on the pathway of addiction. Only when the gambler feels totally helpless, will he consider treatment.
The Escape Gambler 2g2h3
Over the years, a new kind of gambler has emerged from the casinos, the bingo halls, and the lottery lines. The Escape gambler is a relatively new phenomenon in gambling addiction. day to day boredom or pressure they may feel in their “normal” life. They are gambling for the feeling, not the money.
The stages of addiction – Escape gambler 4c1s48
The stages of addiction are similar, but rather than the Winning and Losing stages, Escape gamblers experience an Introductory stage, when they realize how playing makes them feel. They enjoy the escape and seek it out regularly. At first, they are responsible with finances, but as the draw of the loses more money they intend to. The relief they feel when engaging in gambling activities proves so appealing that money becomes secondary. When they realize the depth of their losses, they begin to gamble more, chasing their bets, trying to get their money back. As they continue to lose control, they too, reach the stages of Desperation and finally, Hopelessness.
Studies from various groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous and treatment centers state that Escape gamblers typically seek treatment earlier and are more responsive to treatment, but even so, the success rate is very low for all gambling addicts. gambling addicts consider suicide, and 2/3 commit crimes or engage in fraudulent activities.
Gambling and the brain d24n
Why is gambling addiction so difficult to treat? As with other addictions, we are learning that there may be biologic factors at work in cases of addiction. A study performed at Mass General Hospital by Dr. Hans Breiter showed clear difference in the brain pattern of 12 men who were studied by Magnetic Resonance imaging. As the gamblers played, the brain release dopamine in larger and larger amounts as the players were winning. The blood flow in the brain was consistent with what one sees from a morphine or cocaine . Chemicals such as serotonin and Dopamine become unbalanced in the brain, then stores of these “feel good” chemicals are depleted, causing depression and anxiety as the gambler’s brain fails to function normally.
Treating gambling addiction d612a
As we continue to learn more about gambling addiction, and as addicts come into treatment at younger and younger ages, studies are being done on medications used to treat Alcoholics and Opiate addicts, such as Naltrexone, which may also benefit the gambling addict. While initial studies are promising, additional research is necessary before medication can become an approved treatment. The 12-step model of addiction treatment seems to be the most effective treatment plan available to gamblers today, though hardly perfect. Many people have difficulties with the spiritual concepts with the GA model and others simply cannot self-manage their behavior well enough over time to be successful.
As gambling becomes more and more a part of mainstream society, along with easier access through the internet, the popularity of gaming continues to increase, we as a society are going to be faced with higher numbers of gambling addicts, at younger and younger ages. Clearly, this has become an area of concern for addiction specialists across the country and around the world, and experts are continuing to search for better ways to manage the problem. As gambling continues to be a popular pastime, it appears that the problem of gambling addiction is here to stay.
