Professionals in mental health consider that approximately 40% of gambling addicts have an anxiety disorder at least once in life. Objectives: This paper aims to underline the existence of. As with other addictions, gambling disorders tend to run in families. Those who suffer from this impulse-control disorder also tend to have issues with anxiety and depression and/or problems with substance abuse or alcoholism. The disorder symptoms may come and go, but without treatment, the problem will return.
- Anxiety Disorder And Gambling Use
- Anxiety Disorder And Gambling Disorders
- Anxiety Disorder And Gambling Addiction
We'd all like to be rich. Playing the lottery or making an occasional trip to Las Vegas or some nearby casino allows us to indulge in the dream of being wealthy someday. Bright lights lure us in and sporadic gaming payouts tempt us into believing we might just hit it big. But, while it's generally fine for most people to wager on games of chance once in a while, for those at risk of a gambling addiction, giving into the temptation may trigger a slide into a gambling problem.
Why do People Gamble?
People don't usually gamble for one single reason, although the underlying motivation for gambling is typically profit based. The thought of seeing coins flowing out of a slot machine like an endless silver waterfall or the Hollywood movie scene of a casino piling stacks of money in front of a winner can move almost anyone to take a chance on gambling.
Aside from profit, however, people often gamble for:
- Excitement – think about the thrill of the flashing lights and bells that go off when someone wins on a slot machine
- Pleasure and the euphoria of winning every so often
- Escape from troubles
- Social valuation – even if they lose a lot of money, a person may feel that the act of gambling shows they are successful enough to be able to afford to lose it (even if that isn't really true)
- Pride – if someone wins a few hands of poker, they feel smart and invincible
- The chance you could change your life with very little effort
- Social acceptance – this applies to many games, ranging from playing bingo at church to joining in football pools with friends on Game Day
Pathological Gambling Risk Factors
Around 1 to 3 percent of people in the United States are impacted by a gambling problem. As with other addictions, gambling disorders tend to run in families. Those who suffer from this impulse-control disorder also tend to have issues with anxiety and depression and/or problems with substance abuse or alcoholism. The disorder symptoms may come and go, but without treatment, the problem will return.
A gambling addiction usually starts between the ages of 20 and 40 in females and in early adolescence in males, however it can happen at any stage of life. While it can affect anyone, the risk of compulsive gambling increases in those who are highly competitive, are workaholics, have a friend or family member with a gambling compulsion, or in those who have bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
Symptoms of a Gambling Addiction
In the same way as alcohol or drugs, gambling stimulates the brain's reward center. Just like with any addiction, a person with a gambling disorder can't resist gambling even if they don't have the money to lose. They hide their need to gamble from family and friends and vehemently deny they have a problem. They feel compelled to keep playing in order to recover their losses. They also become tense and anxious when they can't satisfy their urge to gamble and will feel relief when they finally get their 'fix.'
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines a gambling disorder as involving 'repeated problematic gambling behavior that causes significant problems or distress. It is also called gambling addiction or compulsive gambling.'
If family, friends, or coworkers have talked to you about your gambling, you may have a gambling problem. To help clarify if you may be a compulsive gambler, this list from the APA can help you decide:
A diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following during the past year (Note: this questionnaire is not intended to replace professional diagnosis):
- Need to gamble with increasing amount of money to achieve the desired excitement
- Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on or stop gambling
- Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling venture, thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
- Often gambling when feeling distressed
- After losing money gambling, often returning to get even (referred to as 'chasing' one's losses)
- Lying to conceal gambling activity
- Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job or educational/career opportunity because of gambling
- Relying on others to help with money problems caused by gambling
Add up your score:
- 4 to 5: Shows a mild gambling problem
- 6 to 7: Points to a moderate gambling problem
- 8 to 9: Indicates a severe gambling problem
Self-Help for Gambling Addiction
The biggest step toward recovery is acknowledging that you have a gambling problem. While it is difficult to quit gambling, many people have done so and were able to rebuild their lives. The path is easier when you have support.
Some self-help tips are:
- Find a support group, like Gamblers Anonymous or get support from a mental health professional
- Seek treatment for any underlying mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression, which can trigger a gambling problem
- Reach out to family and friends for help
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga or mindfulness
- Distract yourself by starting an exercise program or taking up a sport.
- Spend time with non-gambling friends or take up a hobby. Be certain not to isolate yourself
- Visualize what will happen if you gamble. How will you feel if you disappoint everyone again or if you lose all your money again?
- If you are the family member or friend of a gambler, don't pay off their debts. You run the very real risk of enabling them to gamble again.
Help for Gambling Addiction
If you or a loved one need help to stop compulsive gambling, the mental health professionals at The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders in Delray Beach, Florida can help. For more information, contact us or call us today at 561-496-1094.
Pathological gambling disorder is seen as gambling which is uncontrollable and can alter and adversely affect the individual's recreational and social activities. This disorder has an extremely disruptive and adverse affect on the life of the individual that suffers from it. As a result of this pathological gambling, individuals may end up losing all of their life savings, and may also be forced to commit various crimes including forging checks, stealing or embezzling in order to acquire more money to fulfill their compulsive habit. This disorder can also lead to the development of major problems in relationships as well as jobs.
Pathological gambling can also be described as an Impulse Control Disorder1 or process addiction which is different from addictions to elements such as alcohol, food, tobacco and drugs. These types of addictions include a ‘high' or a ‘rush' which is gained when certain actions are performed as part of the addictive behavior. In case of gambling, the individuals may gain the ‘high' from the overall setting and atmosphere of the place, for example a bingo hall, casino, race track and other places. The feeling that the individual gets from taking risks in this environment can evoke the addiction further. In many cases it is seen that compulsive gamblers own a piece of clothing or accessory which they claim is lucky for their gambling, and hence wear it every time they participate in a gambling activity. Some of these individuals use the piece of clothing or accessory to acquire the ‘high' or ‘rush' before gambling.
Causes:
The definite causes of pathological gambling disorder are unknown, although there are a number of studies and surveys that indicate that there is a significant difference on biological levels, between the general population and the compulsive gamblers. These surveys however cannot form the basis of the causes of pathological gambling. Many people tend to use their habit of gambling in order to gain an escape from signs of depressions which is more commonly seen in women than in men. Some of the gamblers seek to gamble in order to alter their moods because of the intense amount of energy and excitement that is commonly seen in gambling rooms. Thus, it is common to find that some people may be interested in other aspects of gambling than simply the money that is involved. It can be said that they ‘rush' or ‘high' that is seen in individuals suffering from pathological gambling disorders may not be associated with the money.
Symptoms:
Some of the most common symptoms that are seen in individuals suffering from pathological gambling disorder include immense amount of preoccupation with activities associated with gambling which tend to interfere with the individual's social, occupational and personal life. The individual fells that he/she cannot control these gambling instincts and thus continues to visit casinos to place bets, failing to stop or cut down on the habit. One of the most commonly seen behaviors among compulsive gamblers is known as chasing. Chasing refers to placing bets of large amounts of money and thus taking more risks. This is done in order to make up for money that has been lost in gambling previously by the individual. The individual is also prone to immoral activities such as lying, forgery, stealing, fraud involved with credit cards, embezzling, and various other behaviors that are associated with acquiring money for gambling.
Demographics:
Gambling disorder affects more males than females in the United States with a sex ratio of 2:1. Over all as many as 4% of the population of the United States might meet the criteria for the disorder. In some countries this percentage is as high as 7%.
Diagnosis:
The disorder is usually diagnosed when an affected persons family or spouse become concerned and is seldom self reported. The most common symptom that most patients suffer from is Denial.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(4th edition), specifies that a person affected with pathological gambling disorder must have at least 5 of the following symptoms to meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder:
- The person thinks about gambling almost all the time
- The person keeps using larger and larger amounts of money every time when gambling
- The person has tried to stop gambling but has been unable to do so
- Whenever the gambling is stopped, the person becomes moody or cranky
- The person uses gambling as a method to escape problems
- The person continues to gamble in order to win back the money that has been lost ('chasing')
- The person lies about the severity and extent of gambling
- The person has engaged in illegal or immoral behavior in order to make money for gambling
- The person has problems at home or work because of the gambling
- The person tends to rely on other people to get out of financial problems that have been caused by gambling
Treatments:
There are many treatments available for pathological gambling disorder:
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Substance Abuse Treatment
- Relaxation Techniques
- Aversion Therapy
- Gamblers Anonymous
Anxiety Disorder And Gambling Use
References:
Anxiety Disorder And Gambling Disorders
A gambling addiction usually starts between the ages of 20 and 40 in females and in early adolescence in males, however it can happen at any stage of life. While it can affect anyone, the risk of compulsive gambling increases in those who are highly competitive, are workaholics, have a friend or family member with a gambling compulsion, or in those who have bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
Symptoms of a Gambling Addiction
In the same way as alcohol or drugs, gambling stimulates the brain's reward center. Just like with any addiction, a person with a gambling disorder can't resist gambling even if they don't have the money to lose. They hide their need to gamble from family and friends and vehemently deny they have a problem. They feel compelled to keep playing in order to recover their losses. They also become tense and anxious when they can't satisfy their urge to gamble and will feel relief when they finally get their 'fix.'
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines a gambling disorder as involving 'repeated problematic gambling behavior that causes significant problems or distress. It is also called gambling addiction or compulsive gambling.'
If family, friends, or coworkers have talked to you about your gambling, you may have a gambling problem. To help clarify if you may be a compulsive gambler, this list from the APA can help you decide:
A diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following during the past year (Note: this questionnaire is not intended to replace professional diagnosis):
- Need to gamble with increasing amount of money to achieve the desired excitement
- Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on or stop gambling
- Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling venture, thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
- Often gambling when feeling distressed
- After losing money gambling, often returning to get even (referred to as 'chasing' one's losses)
- Lying to conceal gambling activity
- Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job or educational/career opportunity because of gambling
- Relying on others to help with money problems caused by gambling
Add up your score:
- 4 to 5: Shows a mild gambling problem
- 6 to 7: Points to a moderate gambling problem
- 8 to 9: Indicates a severe gambling problem
Self-Help for Gambling Addiction
The biggest step toward recovery is acknowledging that you have a gambling problem. While it is difficult to quit gambling, many people have done so and were able to rebuild their lives. The path is easier when you have support.
Some self-help tips are:
- Find a support group, like Gamblers Anonymous or get support from a mental health professional
- Seek treatment for any underlying mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression, which can trigger a gambling problem
- Reach out to family and friends for help
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga or mindfulness
- Distract yourself by starting an exercise program or taking up a sport.
- Spend time with non-gambling friends or take up a hobby. Be certain not to isolate yourself
- Visualize what will happen if you gamble. How will you feel if you disappoint everyone again or if you lose all your money again?
- If you are the family member or friend of a gambler, don't pay off their debts. You run the very real risk of enabling them to gamble again.
Help for Gambling Addiction
If you or a loved one need help to stop compulsive gambling, the mental health professionals at The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders in Delray Beach, Florida can help. For more information, contact us or call us today at 561-496-1094.
Pathological gambling disorder is seen as gambling which is uncontrollable and can alter and adversely affect the individual's recreational and social activities. This disorder has an extremely disruptive and adverse affect on the life of the individual that suffers from it. As a result of this pathological gambling, individuals may end up losing all of their life savings, and may also be forced to commit various crimes including forging checks, stealing or embezzling in order to acquire more money to fulfill their compulsive habit. This disorder can also lead to the development of major problems in relationships as well as jobs.
Pathological gambling can also be described as an Impulse Control Disorder1 or process addiction which is different from addictions to elements such as alcohol, food, tobacco and drugs. These types of addictions include a ‘high' or a ‘rush' which is gained when certain actions are performed as part of the addictive behavior. In case of gambling, the individuals may gain the ‘high' from the overall setting and atmosphere of the place, for example a bingo hall, casino, race track and other places. The feeling that the individual gets from taking risks in this environment can evoke the addiction further. In many cases it is seen that compulsive gamblers own a piece of clothing or accessory which they claim is lucky for their gambling, and hence wear it every time they participate in a gambling activity. Some of these individuals use the piece of clothing or accessory to acquire the ‘high' or ‘rush' before gambling.
Causes:
The definite causes of pathological gambling disorder are unknown, although there are a number of studies and surveys that indicate that there is a significant difference on biological levels, between the general population and the compulsive gamblers. These surveys however cannot form the basis of the causes of pathological gambling. Many people tend to use their habit of gambling in order to gain an escape from signs of depressions which is more commonly seen in women than in men. Some of the gamblers seek to gamble in order to alter their moods because of the intense amount of energy and excitement that is commonly seen in gambling rooms. Thus, it is common to find that some people may be interested in other aspects of gambling than simply the money that is involved. It can be said that they ‘rush' or ‘high' that is seen in individuals suffering from pathological gambling disorders may not be associated with the money.
Symptoms:
Some of the most common symptoms that are seen in individuals suffering from pathological gambling disorder include immense amount of preoccupation with activities associated with gambling which tend to interfere with the individual's social, occupational and personal life. The individual fells that he/she cannot control these gambling instincts and thus continues to visit casinos to place bets, failing to stop or cut down on the habit. One of the most commonly seen behaviors among compulsive gamblers is known as chasing. Chasing refers to placing bets of large amounts of money and thus taking more risks. This is done in order to make up for money that has been lost in gambling previously by the individual. The individual is also prone to immoral activities such as lying, forgery, stealing, fraud involved with credit cards, embezzling, and various other behaviors that are associated with acquiring money for gambling.
Demographics:
Gambling disorder affects more males than females in the United States with a sex ratio of 2:1. Over all as many as 4% of the population of the United States might meet the criteria for the disorder. In some countries this percentage is as high as 7%.
Diagnosis:
The disorder is usually diagnosed when an affected persons family or spouse become concerned and is seldom self reported. The most common symptom that most patients suffer from is Denial.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(4th edition), specifies that a person affected with pathological gambling disorder must have at least 5 of the following symptoms to meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder:
- The person thinks about gambling almost all the time
- The person keeps using larger and larger amounts of money every time when gambling
- The person has tried to stop gambling but has been unable to do so
- Whenever the gambling is stopped, the person becomes moody or cranky
- The person uses gambling as a method to escape problems
- The person continues to gamble in order to win back the money that has been lost ('chasing')
- The person lies about the severity and extent of gambling
- The person has engaged in illegal or immoral behavior in order to make money for gambling
- The person has problems at home or work because of the gambling
- The person tends to rely on other people to get out of financial problems that have been caused by gambling
Treatments:
There are many treatments available for pathological gambling disorder:
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Substance Abuse Treatment
- Relaxation Techniques
- Aversion Therapy
- Gamblers Anonymous
Anxiety Disorder And Gambling Use
References:
Anxiety Disorder And Gambling Disorders
Impulse Control Disorders: A Clinician's Guide to Understanding and Treating Behavioral Addictions Jon E. Grant
Anxiety Disorder And Gambling Addiction
APA: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. text revision
