AN OVEVIEW OF GAMBLING ADDICTION

Transcription

1 AGAINST ALL ODDS AN OVEVIEW OF GAMBLING ADDICTION Brian L. Bethel, M.Ed., PCC-S, LCDC III, RPT-S Reproduction of training material without consent of Brian Bethel is prohibited. 1

2 Activity #1 Values Something I can t live without Something that represents security Something I love Something I have to have Training Goals: Gain an increased understanding of gambling addiction. Increase participant s knowledge regarding the effects and consequences of problem gambling. Increase participants understanding of treatment for problem gamblers. Activity #2 What words would you use to describe gambling addiction or problem gambling? 2

3 PROBLEM GAMBLING DEFINED: Problem gambling is gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational. Gambling Addiction Myths: Myth No 1 : Sufferers of compulsive gambling engage in gambling every day. Myth No 2 : Gambling leads to trouble only if you lose every last dollar you have. Myth No 3 : It s impossible to truly become addicted to gambling Myth No 4: Compulsive gambling is nothing but a financial problem Myth No 5 : Irresponsible people are the only ones who become obsessed with gambling. Myth No 6 : All those who engage in gambling involve themselves in criminal activities. Myth No 7 : Compulsive gamblers will take up bets on anything. Myth No 8 : Compulsive gambling is not a problem at all if the gambler is rich enough 3

4 PROBLEMS WITH GAMBLING: Gambling is a problem when it adversely affects: Relationships Family and friends Physical, social and mental health School/work attendance and performance Financial status/choices Values/law Other areas of life THE HIDDEN ADDICTION: Approximately 3 million adults meet the criteria for pathological gambling each year. Unlike alcohol or drug addiction, problem gambling has few outward signs. Problem gamblers are more likely to have issues with drinking, drugs, smoking and depression. A strong link exists between pathological gambling and suicide PREVALENCE: Average gambling debt. More than % of Americans gamble. in gamble on sports each year As many as 15 million Americans are at risk According to a 1999 study, % of adults in the US reported having gambled at some point in their lives. More than % reported having gambled in the last 12 month. Recent research found that out of Americans had gambled in the past year. Estimates of lifetime pathological gambling prevalence rate of % and a lifetime problem gambling prevalence rate of % for individuals over 21. % - % of the US population will have a gambling problem in any given year. million to million Americans have a gambling problem. % % of kids between 12 & 17 years of age meet criteria for a gambling problem. One study found that % of citizens over 55 were disordered gamblers. THE COSTS: Gambling losses increased from $10.4 billion in 1982 to $54 billion in 1998 (Wynne & Shaffer, 2003). Slot machine income comprises more than 60% of all dollars generated by gambling in the state of NV. 4

5 Many states use lotteries to balance their budgets. FORMS OF GAMBLING: Lottery Horse/Dog Racing Land Based Casinos* Native American Casinos Floating Casinos Jai Alai Bingo Stock or Commodities Market Numbers Cards for Money Slot Machines** Poker Machines, Other Gambling Machines, Not at a Casino Dice Games, Not at a Casino Games of Skills for Money Sports Office Pools, Raffles or Charitable Small-Stakes Gambling Internet Trading or Chasing Cards Flipping Coins Dares PROBLEM GAMBLING & FAMILY: Problem gambling adversely affects the family of the gambler in a number of ways because of the problem gambler's altered behavior, dishonesty and manipulation. Trust Respect Relationships Family Dynamic Employment Financial Reputations CONSEQUENCES FOR FAMILIES: Stress Isolation Neglect Distrust Resentment/Anger Domestic Violence Co-Occuring Disorders Children of problem gamblers have a higher probability of developing a gambling problem than those with parents who do not gamble. 5

6 YOUTH AND GAMBLING: Teens commonly: Live in the moment Are technologically literate Are high risk takers Have poor control Major Types of Teen Betting: Sports betting Lottery Cards (often poker) Games of skill OLDER ADULTS & GAMBLING: Among adults over 65 years of age gambling is the most frequently identified social activity. Some studies have shown that recreational gambling may increase socialization and cognitive ability for senior gamblers. Many older adults may not understand addiction, making them less likely to identify a gambling problem. Growth in gambling among seniors is no greater than in any other group. Gambling often starts as a social activity. Gambling can become a coping mechanism after a life change (death of spouse, loss of friends, etc.) Seniors may hide gambling problems because of stigma. Cognitive impairments can affect decision making of some older adults. Older adults don t have working years to recover losses TYPES OF GAMBLERS: Social Gambler: sets aside time and money to gamble. Gambling does not interfere with any aspect of their life. Problem Gambler: dedicates more time, money and thought to gamble. Gambling beginning to interfere with an aspect(s) of their life. 6

7 Pathological Gambler: preoccupied with gambling every waking thought is about gambling. CRIME AMONG GAMBLERS: Forgery, fraud, theft, embezzlement Tax violations (fraud and evasion) Illegal gambling operation Less common: burglary, armed robbery, drug sales, fencing stolen goods, prostitution, extortion CULTURE: Gambling crosses age, education and economic lines. Minorities were much more likely than Whites to be problem gamblers GENDER & AGE Gambling disorders are significantly more prevalent among males than females within every population segment considered in this study. Gambling disorders are significantly more prevalent among young people than among the general adult population. WARNING SIGNS: Frequent gambling Increasing amounts gambled Neglecting work and family Preoccupation with gambling and money Borrowing money Mood swings Isolation, withdrawal, secretive behavior (hidden disease) Isolation, withdrawal, secretive behavior (hidden disease) Gambling to win back losses (chasing) Dishonesty or lying 7

8 SIMILARITIES WITH ALCOHOL/DRUGS: Similarities Progressive Loss of Control Preoccupation Cravings Negative impact on major life areas Tolerance Withdrawal symptoms Disruption of family life Used as a way to escape, gain excitement or euphoria Differences Gambling is not self-limiting Behavior not attributable to intoxication More intense sense of shame and guilt Greater denial and stronger defenses Unpredictable outcome Fantasies of success No biological test Easier to hide Greater financial problems Intensity of family anger Less public awareness and acceptance DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA: Is preoccupied with gambling Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement Has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even lies to to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling. Has committed illegal acts to finance gambling. Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling. Relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling. Gambling and The Brain: The brains of people anticipating a win at the roulette table appear to react much like those taking euphoria-inducing drugs. 8

9 The Gambling Cycle: WINNING PHASE LOSING PHASE Desperation PHASE The Winning Phase The Search for action WINS ENHANCE SELF- ESTEEM AND EGO LOSSES ARE RATIONALIZED AS BAD LUCK OR POOR ADVICE THE GAMBLER WILL FREQUENTLY DESCRIBE THE BIG WIN OCCASIONAL GAMBLING FREQUENT WINNING EXCITEMENT PRIOR TO AND WITH GAMBLING INCREASED AMOUNTS OF BETS FANTASIES ABOUT WINNING THE BIG WIN UNREASONABLE OPTIMISM 9

10 LOSING PHASE THE CHASE LOSSES BECOME MORE FREQUENT SELF ESTEEM IS JEOPARDIZED GAMBLER BORROWS MONEY TO GET EVEN HIDES LOSSES AND LIES ABOUT WHERE THE MONEY WENT GAMBLING ALONE THINKING ONLY OF GAMBLING CAN T STOP BORROWING MONEY LEGAL/ILLEGAL CARELESS SPOUSE/FAMILY DELAY IN PAYING DEBTS UNHAPPY HOME LIFE UNABLE TO PAY DEBTS BRAGGING ABOUT WINS PROLONGED EPISODES OF LOSING LOSING TIME FROM WORK PERSONALITY CHANGES BAILOUTS DESPARATION: HITTING BOTTOM BECOMES OBSESSED WITH GETTING EVEN WITHDRAWALS FROM FAMILY BANK ACCOUNTS SECRET LOANS PANICS AT THE THOUGHT THAT THE GAMBLING ACTION WILL END IF THE CREDIT OR BAILOUTS STOP ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT GAMBLING ARRESTS HITTING BOTTOM MOOD SWINGS REMORSE BLAMING OTHERS ROCK BOTTOM HOPELESSNESS SUICIDAL IDEATIONS OR ATTEMPTS ARRESTS DIVORCE ALCOHOL/DRUG INVOLVEMENT EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWN WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS 10

11 WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS IN PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLERS: Frequent gambling Increasing amounts gambled Neglecting work and family Preoccupation with gambling and money Borrowing money Mood swings Isolation, withdrawal, secretive behavior (hidden disease) Isolation, withdrawal, secretive behavior (hidden disease) Gambling to win back losses (chasing) Dishonesty or lying TREATMENT: Every gambler is unique and so needs a recovery program tailored specifically to him or her. What works for one gambler won t necessarily work for you. The biggest step in treatment is realizing you have a problem with gambling. 12-Step Program Gamblers Anonymous Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Individual Counseling Group Counseling DEALING WITH CRAVINGS: Reach out for Support Do Something Else Postpone Gambling Five Yourself a Reality Check Avoid Isolation 11