Compulsive Gambling Recovery Statistics
Gambling is a very social activity much like having drinks with friends on the weekend.
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However, also much like drinking, when some people start to gamble they can’t stop and when they want to quit gambling, they find that they can’t.
How our society views addiction has changed over the past 100 years. Although there is a strong stigma still attached to addiction, the medical field recognizes addiction as a disorder of the brain.
The addict’s brain is unable to make rational decisions because part of the brain is affected by addictive behavior.
The past 100 years have also given birth to a multitude of 12-step fellowships for addictive behaviors.
These fellowships have meetings that members attend regularly in order to help each other keep from going back to their addiction.
Here are 4 interesting facts about gambling addiction and recovery:
Rates of gambling addiction for criminal offenders far exceed rates found among non-offenders. On average, an estimated 50 percent of those affected by gambling problems commit crimes in order to support their addiction. College Gambling. Gambling addiction statistics show people between the ages 20 and 30 have the highest rates of problem. Welcome to ACCG. The Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling is a non-discriminatory, non-profit, gambling neutral organization that provides information, resource referrals, and support services for problem gamblers, their families, employers and others. We also offer prevention and education programs, as well as professional training for mental health, addiction and medical practitioners.
1 – The Need for More and More is a Strong Sign of Gambling Addiction
It is interesting that gambling addiction closely mimics substance abuse rather than obsessive-compulsive disorder.
One of the ways that these two addictions are similar is the need for more and more to get the desired effect.
Problem gamblers who have an alcohol disorder 75% 75% Problem gamblers who have a drug use disorder 38% 38% Problem gamblers who have nicotine dependency 60% 60% Recovering Problem Gambler Leads Way Through Recovery. Here are 4 interesting facts about gambling addiction and recovery: 1 – The Need for More and More is a Strong Sign of Gambling Addiction. It is interesting that gambling addiction closely mimics substance abuse rather than obsessive-compulsive disorder. The NC Council on Problem Gambling is also available. Celebrate Recovery is a Christian Based Recovery group founded at Saddleback Church - with affiliate groups around the US. Check to see if one is in your area. Gambling Facts & Fictions -Stop Gambling, Quit Gambling or Never Start Gambling' - Check out this new resource by Stephen Katz - We did!
When a cocaine addict is addicted, they usually have to increase the amount they use over a considerable amount of time in order to get the feeling they seek. What $20 worth of cocaine used to do now takes $80 worth.
With gambling addiction, there is a need to bet more and more money as the addiction progresses.
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What seemed like big bets at the onset of the addiction are now relatively small compared to the size of the bet that the addict must make to continue to get the desired effect.
Both substance abusers and gambling addicts share a delusional perception about the current state of affairs.
In the grips of the addiction, the addict believes that they are completely in control.
They also minimize the seriousness of the problem and often refuse to look at the consequences of their actions.
When the addict tries to cut down or stop altogether, they are usually very restless and irritable.
This restlessness and irritation is only quelled by gambling again which releases the cycle all over again.
The Australian government defines the problem of addictive gambling as, “characterized by many difficulties in limiting money and/or time spent on gambling which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others, or for the community.”
2- Mental Health Disorders Contribute To Addictive Gambling Behavior
Addictive gambling usually doesn’t happen all by itself. There is an underlying condition or a co-occurring addiction that is going on when addictive gambling becomes evident as a serious problem in an individual.
Much research has been done on Narcissism Personality Disorder and Pathological Gambling.
There is a definite link between narcissism and problem gambling. Impulsivity and the need for sensation-seeking are both traits of narcissism.
With this in mind, it is easy to see how that could lead to problem gambling.
Narcissists also believe they are better at certain things than they actually are. So, narcissists may continue to gamble despite consequences because they actually think that they are really good despite evidence to the contrary.
Narcissists tend to display a lack of judgment in many areas of their life and tend to have the belief that they can control things such as the outcome of an event.
Many gambling addicts also have a substance abuse disorder. There could be an environmental factor to this as most casinos serve alcohol.
It can be common that someone who used to be addicted to alcohol but is now sober, can develop a gambling addiction even after sober from alcohol for several years.
When taking a closer look at addiction, there comes a lot of guilt and shame coming from the sufferer. The gambling addict may use drugs and alcohol to lessen those feelings after a bad night.
Gambling coupled with cocaine use is a common occurrence. The cocaine addict may try to supply their habit by gambling. This could occur as a scratch-off lottery ticket problem.
A cocaine addict may also have a delusional perspective of how well they do at the gaming tables.
There are also many illegal gaming rooms across North America and for various reasons this seems to attract methamphetamine abusers.
There are many compulsive behaviors that can emerge once someone gets high on methamphetamine, but the desire to gamble at an illegal gaming room seems to be one of the most common.
3 – Gamblers Anonymous Was Founded by a Member of Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is the original 12 step program. From it have emerged numerous other fellowships that use the 12 steps as a means of recovery. Regular meeting attendance is a huge part of the recovery process.
In 1957, Gamblers Anonymous was founded by a gentleman by the name of Jim Willis.
He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and thought that the 12 steps could be applied to compulsive gambling as well.
The very first Gamblers Anonymous meeting took place in Los Angeles, California. There were 13 people present at that meeting.
Much like other 12 step fellowships, Gamblers Anonymous has 20 questions that an individual can answer to see if they think they have a problem with compulsive gambling.
Since Gamblers Anonymous is not a group of professionals, only an individual with the help of a doctor can diagnose themselves.
The American Psychiatric Association states that compulsive gambling includes the need to increase the amount of money bet, the need to borrow money in order to continue gambling, and keeping gambling a secret from family members and co-workers, among other behaviors.
Counseling is highly suggested as well as a means to help a gambling addict achieve recovery.
Just like in Alcoholics Anonymous, Gambler’s Anonymous has definite suggestions for the newcomer.
These include 90 meetings in 90 days, not going to gambling establishments, refrain from hanging out with people who are active gamblers, getting a sponsor to work the 12 steps with, and frequently calling other GA members when they are not at a meeting.
Like AL-Anon, there is also GAM-Anon that is for the people in the gambling addict’s life who have been gravely affected by their loved one’s gambling addiction.
4 – Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy is a Best Practice for Problem Gambling
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy has a lot of success with many compulsive behaviors.
The object is to use therapy sessions to rewire a patient’s brain so they react to situations differently.
This can help with how an individual deals with certain triggers that might set them off to return to the destructive behavior.
There are thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs that are considered ‘faulty’ in an individual who shows definite signs of problem gambling.
CBT has been shown not only to keep problem gamblers from the pitfalls of gambling, but it has helped problem gamblers gamble less.
A goal of CBT when it comes to problem gambling is to make the individual aware of their cognitive distortions or ‘faulty’ thinking.
The individual will have delusional beliefs around their gambling activities.
CBT for problem gambling occurs mainly in a one-on-one setting. However, a therapist may hold group sessions for several problem gamblers and therapy can be applied in this setting as well.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is showing signs of problem gambling then you should call the National Problem Gambling Hotline at 1-800-522-4700.
You can get help 24/7 and the help you receive is confidential.
By calling this number, you can get in contact with many resources that can help anyone struggling with problem gambling.
Gambling is a billion dollar industry that is growing by the year. Yes, most people can enjoy an occasional visit to a casino, participate in an office betting pool or buy weekly lottery tickets without getting out of control. But if your gambling habit has become compulsive, know that you are not alone. Approximately three to four percent of Americans have a gambling problem. Sadly compulsion to gamble can take over your life and result in the loss of your family, your friends, your job, your money and your self-respect.
As with any addiction, an addiction to gambling affects different individuals in different ways. There is no one size fits all treatment. However, treatment always begins with recognizing the problem.
The next step to reclaiming sanity and stability is to see a counselor for an evaluation and a treatment plan. You will probably come away with a recommendation that you participate in some combination of the following resources:
Treatment for co-occurring mental illness and/or substance abuse. Gambling addicts are significantly more likely to have mental health disorders or substance abuse problems. The statistics are bracing. According to www.masscompulsivegamblin.org, research shows that 50% of problem gamblers have a mood disorder and 60.8% have a personality disorder. 75% have an alcohol abuse problem and 38% have a drug use disorder. If you are diagnosed with a mental health disorder or substance abuse, it’s crucial to address it directly. The gambling addiction is not happening in a vacuum. It may be that your various addictions are a way you are self-medicating considerable mental distress.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on changing the beliefs that underlie your destructive behaviors so you can develop a new attitude about gambling and new tools for combating the compulsion. You will be helped to recognize negative and pessimistic thinking and to replace it with positive thoughts and behaviors.
Social Support/Self-help groups:. Programs like Gamblers Anonymous (a 12 step program based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous) can provide strong peer support when you are struggling to let go of compulsive gambling. People who have “been there and done that” can uniquely provide sympathetic understanding and encouragement. Like most self-help groups, success is often determined by the culture and commitment of the group. Look carefully to see how successful other people in the group have been in their efforts to quit. Success by others tends to breed success.
Family Involvement: Chances are you have a family. And chances are that the family has suffered from your addiction. It is not unusual for a compulsive gambler to neglect their spouse and children. It is not unusual for the gambler’s anxiety and tension connected with financial stress, secrecy and instability to spill out as rage or abuse. Sometimes problem gamblers spend the money that should go to food or rent or heat on their habit and spend more time on gambling than with the kids and spouse who need them.
With guidance and time, it is possible for wrongs to be righted. It is possible for an angry family to become a supportive one. When the family is positively involved in treatment, the addict has more support for recovery and the family may be able to heal and move on.
Ann-Marie Duncan, MA, LPC, LCAS
Dr. Terri Sawyer, DSW, LCSW
Linda Paige, MSCC, LPCS, CPSC
Mary Jackson, LPC, NCC, CCMHC
Carla Brown, LCSW
Anthony Penn, LPC
Medication assisted recovery: Medications that have shown promise for gambling addiction include topiramate and the antidepressants fluvoxamine (Luvox) and bupropion (Wellbutrin). Maltrexone, which the Food and Drug Administration approved for alcoholism in 1995 and for drug addiction in 1985, is also being looked at as a possible treatment. As of this writing, the research isn’t conclusive. Talk to your doctor about whether a medication trial might be helpful to you.
Inpatient Treatment: If your gambling addiction has led to severe social, medical, legal and/or financial difficulties, you may need to find an inpatient program to give a jumpstart to your treatment. Inpatient programs provide constant supervision, intensive daily individual and group sessions as well as coaching for managing your life differently. Often a few weeks inpatient sets a person on a positive road to recovery.
However. 28 days inpatient isn’t a cure. It is only a time to interrupt the compulsion and to begin to set another way of being in motion. Follow up with some combination of the other interventions is crucial if the gains made while inpatient are to stick.
Symptom Substitution: The “high” you get from gambling can be replaced with excitement and stimulation from other activities and interests. There is such a thing as a “positive addiction”. Any activity like running, biking, working out, collecting or gaming can stimulate the same intense feelings and pleasures that come with gambling. Just remember: It is important to take care not to get carried away on these activities as well.
Financial help: People who are addicted to gambling are often way over their heads financially. Part of your treatment may be working with a financial advisor to get real about your financial situation and to develop a financial recovery plan.
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You may feel it is beneath your dignity to let your spouse or a friend or a counselor hold your credit cards and bank accounts for awhile and put you on a tight “allowance” but it is far more dignified than running your credit into the ground or lying to your family members. A second job can help with immediate financial issues and also keep your busy and distracted.
Keep a recovery journal: Studies have shown that problem behaviors are generally reduced by 20% if you write every time you have the urge. Find a notebook that is small enough to carry around. Every time you feel the urge to gamble, take out the journal. Write down how you are feeling, why you think you want to gamble and what you can do instead. Taking the time to write interrupts the compulsion. Reviewing your notebook may give you more information about your habit that can then be talked about with your counselor.