Problem gambling, also commonly referred to as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, can gravely affect individuals and those around them. When a person continues to gamble despite negative repercussions or an overwhelming desire to stop, it becomes an addiction needing serious attention.
This addiction may start innocuously, but can eventually take a toll on one's life, causing significant harm. If you find yourself or someone you know continually drawn to gambling, unable to stop despite the desire to do so, it's time to evaluate these tendencies.
What Exactly Is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling centers on an individual's persistent urge to gamble, even when facing negative consequences or unable to quit. The problem isn't about spending excessive amounts or betting frequently; it concerns the implications of such behaviours on personal life, family, friends, and social circles.
The likelihood of developing destructive betting habits is higher for those wagering large amounts and gambling regularly. Even so, the frequency or amounts bet aren't definitive markers of problem gambling.
While “gambling addiction” has been a commonly used term, it was not classified as an addiction until recently. For many years, most organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, categorized pathological gambling as an impulse control disorder.
However, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published in 2013, started officially referring to problem gambling as an addiction. The term accurately represents the condition since it shares many characteristics with substance addiction, but falls under a different category of behavioural addiction.
Progression of Problem Gambling
Gambling habits tend to progress and alter over time, often manifested cyclically. To comprehend the fluctuations involved, let's examine two models that generally paint the journey of a problem gambler.
This information could be highly beneficial if you or someone in your circle is grappling with a gambling issue. It could pave the way for understanding and dealing with the condition, helping steer the ship in the right direction.
The path towards becoming a problem gambler isn't constant. Symptoms change over time, typically in a cyclical pattern. Understanding these changes can assist those struggling, build empathy, and lend a helping hand when needed.
- Winning Stage: Problem gambling often starts with a notch of victory, regardless of whether the winnings are big or small. This incites a heightened interest in gambling, potentially developing into a severe problem or addiction. In this stage, gambling is typically a group activity and viewed as entertaining, without the presence of any identifiable issue.
- Losing Stage: The period of winning eventually subsides, and losses begin to pile up. This stage sees prolonged episodes of betting, a heightened preoccupation with gambling, and changes in personality. Borrowing money or seeking alternative sources to gamble further, becomes prominent. Debts accumulate, and the financial strain escalates.
- Desperation Stage: This phase typically sees gamblers placing the blame on others, resorting to illegal activities for money, experiencing remorse and panic, and suffering reputational damage. When this stage ends, the gambler's situation often results in feelings of hopelessness, emotional breakdowns, substance abuse, and possibly suicidal thoughts.
In conclusion, as fun as it may seem initially, irresponsible and unregulated gambling can have dire consequences, leading to a spiral of negative impacts. It's crucial to identify any warning signs at the early stage and seek help or intervention as needed, for a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Understanding the Cycle of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling isn't a straight-line event; it tends to unfold cyclically. We've termed this the “GamCare Problem Gambling Cycle”, comprising five stages.
- Trigger – This is the instigating factor that propels someone back into gambling after a break. A trigger can be internal, such as a compelling emotion, or external, like passing a casino. Keep in mind that triggers may vary with each gambling incident.
- Urge – Upon encountering the trigger, the individual feels an intense emotional or physical compulsion to resume gambling, a drive that intensifies until it becomes nearly irresistible.
- Gambling Episode – When the urge finally outweighs resistance, the individual enters into full-scale gambling, regardless of whether they are winning or losing.
- Continuation of Gambling – Following the initial episode, the individual continues to gamble, either in an attempt to recover losses or in the hope of winning more.
- Gambling Halt – Eventually, each gambling episode comes to an end, typically due to running out of time or money.
These stages might repeat within the cycle, transitioning from stage five back to stage one. When an individual is struggling with problem gambling, the likelihood of a trigger initiating a new gambling cycle is high. The only genuine way to break this cycle is to utilize effective measures to overcome problem gambling, often involving professional help.
Identifying Problem Gambling Symptoms
Problem gambling is identified when a person persistently gambles despite adverse effects on their life or harbors a desire to quit. Below, we categorize typical symptoms and signs of problem gambling. Click on the respective link to delve into a detailed description.
- Desire to quit gambling and feeling guilty after playing
- Financial Symptoms
- Major financial loss due to gambling
- Pursuing massive wins for various reasons, from personal gain to supporting others
- Gambling until total depletion of resources
- Effort to recover lost money
- Rising bet sizes for the same gambling thrill
- Need to borrow money for gambling
- Unwillingness to spend money on anything other than gambling
- Crime involvement to fund gambling habits
- Time-bound Symptoms
- Excessive time devoted to gambling
- Longer than anticipated gambling episodes
- Sacrificing time for work, family, and other activities because of gambling
- Work-related Symptoms
- Absenteeism from work due to gambling
- Reduced work efficiency and focus
- Lack of ambition and career goals
- Social Symptoms
- Strained relationships
- Losing social connections
- Damaged reputation
- Lying about gambling
- Psychological and Biological Symptoms
- Fear
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Suicidal and self-destructive tendencies
- Negligence
- Using gambling as an escape mechanism
- Depression
- Anxiety
For a comprehensive understanding of these symptoms, let's delve deeper into their influence on different life aspects.
Feeling Guilty
Those falling into the trap of problem gambling are often aware of how this unhealthy obsession is impacting their life negatively. Despite this realization, the overpowering urge to gamble continues to dominate, clearly indicating addiction. This craving is even stronger when combined with feelings of regret after gambling, signaling a great challenge in breaking free from the vice.
Financial Indicators 
The propensity to lose significant amounts of money is an apparent symptom of gambling addiction. The severity of problem gambling is magnified when bound to financial issues other than losses alone.
In the early stages of a gambling problem, individuals might fantasize about winning big and ameliorating their financial status. However, such a mindset is perilous and can contribute to a growing addiction.
Casino games are inherently designed to be in favor of the house, hence, in the long run, a player is bound to lose. Once the cycle of wins and losses begins, it's difficult to escape the compulsion to gamble.
Problem gamblers may neglect other monetary responsibilities, such as bills and groceries, prioritizing their gambling habits instead. This escalates their irresponsible spending, a clear sign of problem gambling.
As the problem worsens, gambling addicts might resort to borrowing money from friends, family, or financial institutions, or even committing crimes to garner gambling funds.
Nonetheless, despite the close ties between money and gambling, money isn't the end goal for most problem gamblers. The thrill of gambling often supersedes the desire to amass earnings.
Time-related Symptoms
Problem gambling can also adversely affect time management. Gambling gradually starts consuming more hours, inevitably affecting other daily activities.
Lengthy and unpredictable gambling sessions are indicative of a problem. Gambling can easily extend beyond the stipulated time, making it a dominating activity in the addict's routine.
Complete preoccupation with gambling often leaves limited time for other responsibilities and interests, impinging on familial ties and efficiency at work.
Work-related Symptoms
Problem gambling can prove detrimental to the professional life of the gambler. Whether an employee, self-employed, or an entrepreneur, their work productivity might decline due to extended gambling sessions.
A preoccupied mind with gambling can impede focus at work during regular working hours. Career ambitions might take a backseat, and work may seem mundane and pointless, reflecting negatively on the individual's work-life.
Social Life Implications
Social interactions are significantly impacted by problem gambling. As relationships with family, colleagues, and friends strain, the trust once placed in the individual often breaks, leading to the disintegration of relationships.
A problem gambler may also lie about their gambling habits, further damaging their social standing. With a tarnished reputation, encounters with friends, family, and work colleagues could become contentious.
Psychological and Biological Issues
Problem gambling also manifests itself psychologically, inviting negative emotions such as fear, irritability, restlessness, and self-destructive thoughts. It's common for gamblers experiencing fear to become irritable and touchy, especially when the topic of gambling is broached.
Sleep disturbances are also common, as the troubled mind consumed with gambling thoughts interferes with peaceful rest. As a result, problem gamblers might face increased restlessness and struggle to relax, escalating the severity of their situation.
When the lows of a gambling problem are hit, the individual might experience suicidal ideations. To escape their predicament, problem gamblers might resort to further gambling, inadvertently worsening their situation. Chronic stress and engulfment in their condition might lead them to an indifferent, careless state.
In conjunction with other symptoms, depression, and anxiety might also set in, making the predicament more precarious. Hence, recognizing and addressing these indicators swiftly is vital for recovery.
Problem Gambling Diagnosis
To recognize if your gambling habits are veering into dangerous territory, we'll unfold some cues and triggers. Although gambling can be an enjoyable pastime, it becomes concerning when it escalates beyond leisure. It's essential to promptly seek professional advice when required.
Here, we'll discuss:
- Gamblers Anonymous Survey
- DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria
- Other Assessment Tools
Gamblers Anonymous Survey
Gamblers Anonymous, a renowned global organization, addresses problem gambling by organizing numerous support groups and providing assistance. They have devised a 20-question ‘yes or no' survey to determine if someone is a problem gambler:
- Have you missed work or school because of gambling?
- Has your family's life been negatively impacted by gambling?
- Has gambling tarnished your reputation?
- Have you ever regretted gambling?
- Have you used gambling to solve financial difficulties or debts?
- Has gambling diminished your ambition or effectiveness?
- After a loss, do you feel the necessity to return and regain your losses?
- Following a victory, do you get a strong impulse to return and win more?
- Do you frequently gamble until you exhaust your money?
- Have you borrowed money to fund your gambling?
- Have you ever sold personal items to finance gambling?
- Do you hesitate to use “gambling money” for normal expenses?
- Has gambling made you unmindful of the welfare of yourself or your family?
- Have you gambled longer than intended?
- Have you gambled to avoid stress, loneliness, or grief?
- Have you considered or executed illegal activities to fund gambling?
- Has gambling resulted in sleep difficulties?
- Do arguments or disappointments incite the urge to gamble?
- Have you celebrated good fortune with extended gambling sessions?
- Have you ever contemplated suicide or self-harm due to gambling?
For your information, you can find this questionnaire with interactive answers on the Gamblers Anonymous website. Gamblers Anonymous asserts that a ‘yes' to seven or more questions signals compulsive gambling behavior. This website also offers numerous invaluable resources related to gambling issues.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) outlines a widely accepted method for diagnosing gambling disorders. It labels persistent and recurring detrimental gambling behavior leading to significant distress or disruption, indicated by four or more of these symptoms over a 12-month period, as problematic. DSM-5 also differentiates between episodic and persistent disorders, levels of severity, and periods of remission.
Please remember that professional assistance is advisable if these criteria seem applicable to you, instead of attempting self-diagnosis.
Other Assessment Tools
Many resources help assess gambling behaviors to understand the level of potential risk. These include:
They enlist multiple symptoms of problem gambling to make accurate assessments. These diagnostic tools are readily available, but we recommend focusing on renowned entities that concentrate on responsible gambling and problem gambling treatment.
In conclusion, various tools and techniques can help to understand if your gambling habits are problematic. Remember, it's always wiser to seek professional help if you think you're struggling with gambling addiction.
Addressing Problem Gambling
A gambling issue is easier to deal with when identified and addressed early. Multiple coping strategies, such as self-help techniques, helplines, support communities, and even rehabilitative services, can be utilized for those grappling with a gambling addiction.
Your specific situation and the depth of your gambling issue will determine the most effective recovery method. Importantly, taking the initiative is crucial when you sense that the gambling habit is becoming unmanageable. Turning a blind eye to the issue will only exacerbate it.
Even if you only exhibit a few of the symptoms discussed in this article, it's always better to preemptively tackle the problem instead of risking the potential devastation from a full-blown gambling issue. Delve into our article about overcoming and treating problem gambling for a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.
