• For Professionals
• More About Gambling

What are Signs and Symptoms of Problem/Pathological Gamblers:

What are the two main types of gamblers?  Gamblers are often categorized into two domains:  Action and Escape gamblers.  They are defined by styles of games played and often characteristics that accompany that these individuals.  This separation helps clinicians formulate treatment plans that better fit the client’s needs based on each person’s experience in his or her addiction.

 

*Action Gamblers tend to play action oriented, competitive games such as poker, keno, racing sports betting and more.  This gambler is usually male with characteristics such as competitive, narcissistic, charismatic and intelligent. This gambler often has a ‘career’ of gambling for 10-30 years before presenting for treatment, experiencing highs and lows over a period of time within their progressive addiction.  Treatment is often forced by family involvement, tremendous financial problems and even legal issues.

 

*The Escape Gambler is usually female, although many male action pathological gamblers end up displaying escape gambler behaviors towards the most severe period of their addiction, often when they present for treatment.  The escape gambler likes less competitive games that offer a mood neutralizing opportunity.  They are not seeking the same rush that the action gambler likes and instead enjoy the euphoric calmness of repetitive games such as Bingo, slots and pickle cards.  Their gaming experience often begins later in life via introduction of a social activity that presents as safe and harmless.  Many female gamblers have a history of abuse and often have other mental health concerns.  This population usually presents with considerably less financial debt due to a shorter gambling ‘career’ but recent statistics show and increasing number of females with legal concerns.

Do problem/pathological gamblers ever have co-occuring disorders?   Yes.  In fact, many gamblers have substance abuse and/or mental health disorders.  Clinicians must be able to identify presenting disorders and screen for others.  National averages report that over half of pathological gamblers experience substance abuse or dependency.  Every substance abuse client should be screened and educated about problematic gambling behavior since cross addictions in recovery is a high risk. Additional concerns include high levels of anxiety, depression and suicide risk.  Extreme circumstances increase the suicide rate for pathological gamblers to six times that of the general public. All behavioral health clinicians should be aware that people suffering from gambling addiction often present for financial assistance or mental health care first.

What are some similarities and differences between substance abuse and compulsive gambling?  Pathological gambling is a progressive but hidden addiction with few visual or physical indicators and no real overdose point.  Money is a key trigger, which is clearly difficult to avoid and the financial gain from winning seems a reasonable remedy to debt accumulated from gambling hence encouraging the cycle and reinforcing relapse.  In addition, compulsive gamblers often have legal complications, lengthening the recovery process with probation, time served and financial restitution.  Treatment resources are minimal and the public, including professionals, are often unaware of available assistance. Social acceptance of gambling reduces the likelihood of people acknowledging gambling as a potentially harmful behavior and makes prevention messages difficult to absorb.

What does treatment for problem/pathological gambling addiction entail?  Treatment for problem/pathological gambling usually includes an educational component, individual counseling and group sessions. Each individual’s treatment plan will vary and the level of participation required will depend on the severity of the addiction. Most facilities are out-patient and there are very few in-patient facilities in the United States. Some agencies may also offer assistance with financial strategies for addressing the financial crisis that often accompany a gambling addiction.  Whether the treatment facility does this in-house or via referral, money is a key trigger and must be addressed with the gambler and significant family members when applicable.  In addition, the difficulty paying down debt related to gambling challenges the recovery process.  Many agencies also offer family programs that may include education, individual counseling and group sessions.  

How does a financially strapped gambler pay for services?  Treatment resources are limited both financially and in availability.  Unfortunately, most all insurance companies do not reimburse for treatment services for this addiction.  However, many states have programs with funding designated for educational, preventative and treatment services. Nebraska’s Gamblers Assistance Program has funding that pays for most of the treatment costs for gamblers and their families. 

 

For a list of Information Sheets you can download, click HERE