What is Gambling? Gambling or ludomania is an urge to continuously gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop.

Transcription

1 By Benjamin Bunker

2 What is Gambling? Gambling or ludomania is an urge to continuously gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop.

3 What is Gambling? Pt. 2 Gambling is an Impulse Control Disorder. An Impulse control disorder is a set of psychiatric disorders which also include intermittent explosive disorder, kleptomania, fire starting, compulsive hair pulling and compulsive skin picking. Impulsivity is the main feature of these disorders. The behavior pattern is seeking instant gratification at the expense of a long term negative consequences.

4 How does an impulse disorder work? On a neurological level gambling effects the same neural pathways as addictive drugs The primary neurotransmitter in addiction is dopamine While gambling does not involve the unnaturally elevated levels of dopamine that drug abuse does, it is still able to result in dopamine levels which represent a much more rewarding experience than the gambler actually experiences because both payouts and near-wins result in a release of dopamine

5 DSM IV Criteria: Gambling (Persistent & Recurrent in 5 of these categories throughout a 12 month or greater period) Is preoccupied with gambling Needs more money to increase excitement (tolerance) Has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control 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 conceal extent of gambling involvement has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement 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

6 DSM IV Criteria Summary Preoccupation Tolerance Withdrawal Escape Chasing Lying Loss of control Illegal acts Risked significant relationship Bailout

7 Warning Signs THE FOUR PHASES Winning Phase Losing Phase Desperation Phase Hopeless Phase

8 Social Acceptance Gambling has become increasingly legitimate and socially acceptable Most compulsive gamblers are men, but the problem is growing among women. Poor and people with limited education, exposed to tempting visions of unattainable wealth, are particularly susceptible. Vices are typically accepted in moderation. Casinos are a great source of revenue for the state. Is it in our nature to gamble? Is it in our nature to cheat?

9 Treatment: Williamsville Wellness of Virginia 8 Modalities Trauma Therapist Peer Support Art Therapy Hypnotherapy Family Therapy Coping Therapy Relationship Therapy An Addictionologist Call 24/7 for Help: Williamsville Wellness Center, LLC Cabaniss Lane, Hanover, Virginia 23069

10 Dramatization!? Does the media help or harm those that are addicted? UK Reporters & Dr. Timothy Fong watch?v=fb0crncqcug Gambling Boom In UK watch?v=gtbafffhfug Gambling Addiction watch?v=vpqzrc2h-oo Dr. Fong * If we dramatize an addiction are we fueling the fire?

11 Is Gambling an Addiction? A Comparison with Alcoholism Similarities: People are aware of their behavior and yet it seems impossible to change. Co-occurrence is found among problem gamblers. DSM-IV Variety of treatments People will go to great lengths in order to keep the behavior Differences: Gamblers are cut-off when the money stops

12 An Addiction Though? I believe gambling to be an addiction In repetition the behavior (gambling) becomes a pathological disorder (DSM IV) or addiction. Treatment is available and varies Gambling addiction occurs where there s exposure There are positive/negative reinforces for gambling.

13 References! Leena M. Sumitra, MD; Shannon C. Miller, MD VOL 118 / NO 1 / JULY 2005 / POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE Pathological.pdf DSM-IV Criteria: Pathological Gambling essionals/pages/dsmivcriteriapathologicalgambling.a spx Online Lecture Week 1: Nature of Addiction And, youtube