Gambling
When Does it Become a Problem
It has probably always
been part of human nature to take chances or try the odds. Among native
people, stick gambling or L'ahal is still a very common and enjoyable past time
as it has been for centuries. The object
is to succeed or to win over the opponent but the prize isn't money or goods
but rather the satisfaction of simply winning or beating the odds. Gambling or gaming is not in itself a
problem. It becomes a problem when the
individual loses their ability to control their gambling activity or habit. Even then the act of gambling
is not necessarily in and of itself a problem. Rather it is the associated secondary or related problems and issues
that cause the act of gambling to become a problem.
Problem gambling is now in
the public focus. This is due to the
fact that there seems to be an ever-increasing number of opportunities for
individuals to gamble. The growth of lotteries
of all types, casinos and internet gaming, usually encouraged by cash-strapped
governments looking for additional sources of revenue to fund programs, has
created endless opportunities for socially acceptable gambling and therefore
the climate for an ever-increasing incidence of the related secondary problems
associated with gambling.
Causes
As stated above it is part
of human nature to want to beat the odds. Most of us are probably predisposed to want to try our luck. But the act of gambling can be an addictive
act. Occasionally when we gamble we will win. Winning is a positive reinforcer, we like the feeling of winning with
all of the associated benefits. Because
winning is a rewarding or pleasurable experience, there is a good chance that
we will try to win again in order to duplicate that enjoyable experience. At some point in this addictive process, the
addict is no longer in control as the process of a psychological addiction
unfolds. It is true not everyone will
become addicted and there may be pre-disposing factors that render some people
more vulnerable to the process than others.
Among suggested pre-disposing factors are the
following:
1. Individuals who may be quite isolated or
lonely are attracted by the social camaraderie of the gambling milieu. Attendance at a casino for example can be quite
enjoyable and in fact is often marketed as or associated with entertainment.
2. Some persons seem to have a pattern of
addictive behaviour in several areas of their lives including eating habits,
substance abuse, exercise, work, and sex. It is possible that these persons may be more prone to becoming addicted
to gambling.
3. Some individuals experiencing social or
financial problems may be prone to gambling as a way to make ends meetas
they begin to lose they will attempt to recoup losses by gambling even more.
4. It is theorized that some individuals who for
various reasons have felt a lack of power throughout their personal lives,
may attempt to compensate for this feeling through gambling. The act of winning brings with it a feeling
of power. With the other reinforcing
factors associated with gambling, the behaviour becomes addictive.
Secondary Problems
The secondary problems
associated with gambling behaviour essentially involve losses of all
types.
1. There is the obvious loss of money and
assets. The fact that gaming facilities
and programs continue to thrive is simply proof that there are clearly more
losers than winners, often big losers. There is evidence that shows that the biggest losers are those who can
least afford to lose any money at all.
2. There is a loss of time and
productivity. As a gambling addiction
progresses, individuals will spend more and more of their productive time
gambling. Leisure time becomes gambling
time and in some cases work time becomes gambling time.
3. Loss of relationships becomes an issue. Often loved ones suffer because of a gambling
addict's actions. Tension in
relationships grows, mistrust increases, gamblers will withdraw and isolate
themselves and relationships are put under more and more pressure.
4. Self esteem becomes a victim as gambling
addicts come to the realization that they are out of control. Sadly, this realization does not come easily
and often it is only after there has been significant loss in all areas that the
addict hits bottom and looks for help.
What can be done?
Because this is an
addiction, the addict themselves must take the steps necessary to change this
behaviour. For those who are close to or
related to the addict, this can be a very frustrating and painful
experience. It is important for loved
ones to make certain that they are not enabling the addict. It is important to play hard ball, to call
a spade a spade. Don't give the addicts
money, make sure that family finances (bank accounts, savings, RRSP's, property
and chattels etc.) are secure, hold the individual accountable for their
actions. Give them a clear message about
the consequences if their addictive behaviour does not change.
The addict can seek out
counselling help in order to gain a possible understanding of underlying
causes.
Unfortunately, counselling
resources for gambling addicts are few and far between but it does help to make
changes if underlying causes are understood. In most situations however, there will probably not be a clear reason why the gambling is taking place. In
these situations, the gambler must simply make a choice to quit.
Quitting this behaviour is
difficult. It helps to change old
patterns, to avoid old associates, to seek out support from friends and others
familiar with the addiction. It is important that the gambler makes this issue
the priority in their lives, that they constantly remind themselves that they
have a problem over which they have no power, they must proceed one day at a time.
It is helpful for the
addict to look for ways to normalize their lifestyle. A balanced lifestyle including work,
leisure/recreation, physical exercise/fitness, proper rest and nutrition, the
support of non-gambling friends, will all contribute to overcoming this
addiction. A Counsellor can help in
establishing this kind of balance.
Where is help available?
There is an
ever-increasing number of Gamblers Anonymous support groups being
developed. GA is a long-established
program that is modeled on the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous (AA).
Web sites which might be
helpful are:
Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org
GamAnon: www.gam-anon.org
Problem Gambling Help
Line: 1-888-795-6111