Pathological Gambling:
Pathological Gambling (also called Gambling Disorder) is a recognized behavioral addiction characterized by persistent and recurrent gambling behavior that disrupts personal, social, and occupational functioning. Unlike casual or social gambling, it involves an inability to control the urge to gamble, even in the face of significant negative consequences.
Key Features:
Loss of Control: Difficulty stopping or cutting down gambling, even when wanting to.
Preoccupation: Constantly thinking about gambling, planning the next game, or ways to get money to gamble.
Tolerance: Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement.
Withdrawal: Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to stop or reduce gambling.
Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble to recover money lost previously.
Lying/Deception: Hiding the extent of gambling from family or others.
Risking Relationships or Opportunities: Jeopardizing significant relationships, career, or education due to gambling.
Reliance on Others for Money: Borrowing or stealing to finance gambling.
Consequences:
- Financial problems (debt, bankruptcy)
- Legal issues
- Strained family and social relationships
- Emotional distress: depression, anxiety, shame
- Co-occurring disorders: substance abuse, mood disorders
Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5):
- Gambling behavior is persistent and recurrent.
- It leads to clinically significant distress or impairment.
- Symptoms must be present for at least 12 months.
Treatment Approaches:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors around gambling.
Motivational Interviewing (MI): Enhances motivation to change gambling habits.
12-Step Programs: E.g., Gamblers Anonymous.
Medication: Sometimes SSRIs, opioid antagonists, or mood stabilizers for co-occurring conditions.
Financial Counseling and Support: Managing debts and preventing access to gambling funds.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 