Gambling Prevention Awareness
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Pathological Gambling
What is pathological gambling?
Pathological gambling is a chronic and progressive illness. People with
this condition can’t control their impulse to gamble and have a need for
the gambling “high”. The National Council on Problem Gambling reports
that 10 million Americans have significant gambling problems with 3
million meeting the diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling disorder.
Men and women of any age can be pathological gamblers. Gambling
causes problems with relationships and jobs. Depression, drinking and
using drugs are associated with pathologic gambling. Pathological
gamblers are more likely to think about or commit suicide. They may also
commit crimes such as theft, fraud, or embezzlement to support their
gambling.
How does one become a pathological gambler?
Pathological gambling is an addiction. People become pathological
gamblers because of the rush they feel when winning and losing money.
Many pathological gamblers experience a big win or a series of big wins
and begin gambling more often. This is followed by losses and the
gambler begins “chasing” bets believing that they must return as soon as
possible to win back the losses. The time spent gambling increases and
is accompanied by remorse, hopelessness and alienation from family and
friends. Emotional breakdown occurs and some may entertain thoughts
of suicide or actually attempt suicide.
Who is affected?
Pathological gambling affects the gamblers, their families, employers and
communities. Gamblers spend less time with their family and deplete the
family’s finances. They may steal money to gamble. Their work suffers
as they misuse time, have difficulty concentrating and finishing
assignments.
How is pathological gambling treated?
Many pathological gamblers do not want to tell others about their
problem. The first step is to ask for help. The National Council on
Problem Gambling can be reached at 1-800-522-4700. This
organization can help you find counselors in your area who are
experienced in treating pathological gamblers. They can also help you
find local Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon chapters.
Gamblers Anonymous can be reached at 1-213-386-8789.
Click on the links below to be connected to that web site.
What is pathological gambling?
Pathological gambling is a chronic and progressive illness. People with
this condition can’t control their impulse to gamble and have a need for
the gambling “high”. The National Council on Problem Gambling reports
that 10 million Americans have significant gambling problems with 3
million meeting the diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling disorder.
Men and women of any age can be pathological gamblers. Gambling
causes problems with relationships and jobs. Depression, drinking and
using drugs are associated with pathologic gambling. Pathological
gamblers are more likely to think about or commit suicide. They may also
commit crimes such as theft, fraud, or embezzlement to support their
gambling.
How does one become a pathological gambler?
Pathological gambling is an addiction. People become pathological
gamblers because of the rush they feel when winning and losing money.
Many pathological gamblers experience a big win or a series of big wins
and begin gambling more often. This is followed by losses and the
gambler begins “chasing” bets believing that they must return as soon as
possible to win back the losses. The time spent gambling increases and
is accompanied by remorse, hopelessness and alienation from family and
friends. Emotional breakdown occurs and some may entertain thoughts
of suicide or actually attempt suicide.
Who is affected?
Pathological gambling affects the gamblers, their families, employers and
communities. Gamblers spend less time with their family and deplete the
family’s finances. They may steal money to gamble. Their work suffers
as they misuse time, have difficulty concentrating and finishing
assignments.
How is pathological gambling treated?
Many pathological gamblers do not want to tell others about their
problem. The first step is to ask for help. The National Council on
Problem Gambling can be reached at 1-800-522-4700. This
organization can help you find counselors in your area who are
experienced in treating pathological gamblers. They can also help you
find local Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon chapters.
Gamblers Anonymous can be reached at 1-213-386-8789.
Click on the links below to be connected to that web site.
| Art Schlichter, Founder 614-572-7102 art@artschlichter .com |
| Gambling PreventionAwareness/Compulsive Gambling Center, Inc a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Tax ID 52-1442130 |