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Gambling

According to an article published in the Journal of Gambling Studies in 1996 by R. A. Volberg, pathological gambling has increased to 3% of the population in the United States in the past 20 years. Pathological gambling is associated with such negative effects as depression and crimes of profit to name a few. According to published materials on pathological gambling by Robert Custer, M.D., the pathological gambler goes through 4 phases and Richard Rosenthal, M.D. adds an additional phase entitled the "Hopeless Give Up Phase".

• Phase 1 : "The Preparatory Period" gamblers that exhibit the following traits may become compulsive gamblers:
  

1.  A fragile ego, unable to accept rejection 

2.  A tendency to be impulsive.

3. A tendency to be overly anxious and depressed

4. Low tolerance and a need for immediate gratification

5. A tendency to cling to unrealistic/magical thinking.

6. High energy level, restlessness, need for excitement, stimulation and risk.

• Phase 2: "Winning Phase" the gambler may spend a longer time in euphoria because of "big wins/significant wins." 

1. More frequent wins 

2. Increased gambling

3. Fantasies about winning/big-shotism

4. Unreasonable optimism

5. Bragging about wins 

6. Occasional gambling 

7. Excitement prior to and with gambling 

8. Increased amount of money bet

9. Big or significant wins

• Phase 3: "Losing Phase" this phase is recognized by family and/or legal problems losing or changing friends, job problems and significant debt occurs. 

1. Gambling alone

2. Constant thoughts about gambling

3. Losing binges

4. Loss of control

5. Borrowing legally

6. Covering up/lying

7. Missing work

8. Caring less about the welfare of family

9. Personality changes 

10. Irritability

11. Restlessness

12. Emotional withdrawal

13. Delays and/or inability in paying debts

14. Unhappy home life

15. Heavy borrowing (legally/illegally)

16. Bailouts

• Phase 4: "Desperation Phase" in this phase divorces, loss of jobs, geographical changes, embezzlement, fraud, theft, physical problems, death which usually occurs most of the time from suicide. 

1. Tarnished reputation

2. Alienation from friends and family

3. Marked increase in amount and time spent gambling 

4. Blaming others 

5. Remorse 

6. Panic 

7. Illegal acts

• Phase 5. "Hopeless, Give Up Phase" 

1. Hopelessness

2. Suicide thoughts and attempts 

3. Arrests

4. Divorce

5. Alcohol/chemical use 

6. Emotional breakdown 

7. Withdrawal symptoms
   

Gambling problems can be treated.  Treatment for gambling problems consist of:

1. Assessment to determine the extent of the problem.

2. Individual counseling

3. Group counseling that includes support groups specific for gambling problems.

4. Family counseling

5. Financial planning