Research Paper Gambling
With ambling, I assume that when they run out of money to gamble with, they will do whatever they have to do to obtain money to gamble with. I am curious to find out the treatments that work for gambling disorder. Is this treatment the same as those who have an addiction to a drug or is it a different approach? Another point I am looking into is the gender. Are male or females more likely to have a gambling addiction? Lastly, is there a dual diagnosis for a behavioral dependency?
Do the addicts also have issues with mental disorders such as anxiety or depression? I will be using information from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (ADSM) of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (ADSM-5). Am very eager to learn about this new addiction that has been brought to my attention through research. Background of Gambling Disorder Gambling is not a typical addiction that you hear a lot about. You hear much more about drug addictions and overdoses of drugs.
I chose gambling because I want to know the differences of a behavioral addiction versus a physical addiction, the treatment options and how it affects the addict and their family. In the article Problem gamblers share personality profiles of u absence abusers (2005) they state that “Individuals with problem gambling behavior have personality profiles similar to the profiles of those with alcohol, marijuana and nicotine associated addictive disorders, according to an article in the Archives of General Psychiatry. This same article stated that “Previous studies have also shown problem gambling associated with alcohol dependence and suggested an association with drug and nicotine dependence as well” (p. 1). It seems that there is a connection with all types of addiction. It is more than just gambling, it is the lifestyle that live as well. If they are going to a casino, they are bound to be drinking or doing drugs or smoking, because that is what happens in casinos. People go to the casino to drink and gamble.
There is certain criterion that a person must meet in order to be diagnosed with gambling disorder. There are 9 criteria, and in order to be diagnosed, one must meet 4 or more within a 12-month period. Another aspect of gambling is online gambling. In the article, Poker Face (2014), “Deterrents, who has treated dozens Of kids at McGill International Centre for Youth Gambling Problem and High-Risk Behaviors said, “Online and bile gambling is going to be a big thing. ” (p. 163).
Not only are people at risk for gambling in casinos or other places where gambling occurs, it is now online. They do not even have to leave their home and can feed their addiction. This is a serious issue and it needs to be addressed quickly so that more people are aware that it is occurring and can try to stop before it is too late. Behaviors of Gamblers Like stated in the above section, there are 9 different behaviors that demonstrate someone is addicted to gambling. According to Rash, C. J. , & Poetry, N. M. 014): ADSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder remain largely intact from the prior edition and include: 1) needing to wager larger amounts; 2) experiencing restlessness or irritability when restricting gambling,’ 3) repeated inability to control or Stop gambling; 4) preoccupation with gambling 5) gambling In response to negative affect; 6) gambling to recoup losses; 7) lying about gambling; 8) jeopardizing relationships, work, or education opportunities due to gambling; and 9) relying on financial bailouts from others to relieve financial pressure related to gambling.
Diagnosis of ambling disorder is met when four or more of these criteria are present in a 12-month period. (p. 285) These behaviors are similar to those off person who is physically dependent on drugs. For example, both jeopardize their relationships, and are not in control of their own lives. Gambling takes over their lives and financial status. Firstly, one feels the need to wager large amounts because they think if they put down a lot they are going to make out with that much more. They are not always correct in doing this, but take the chance many. Way. Lying is a huge trait in addicts.
Not only do addicts lie to others around them, who care about them, they are lying to themselves about their problem. Jeopardizing relationships, work and education is another thing that both gambling addicts and drug addicts do. Most, if not all of the behaviors of gambling addicts are similar to those addicted to drugs. Withdrawal from Gambling The withdrawal from gambling is not exactly what you would expect. Quite honestly, would not have expected there to be much of a withdrawal for gambling. I was wrong. As stated by the ADSM-V, restlessness and irritability hen trying to restrict gambling is the only sign of withdrawal.
Others claim differently, Cunningham-Williams, R. L. (2009) says that the first treatment program for pathological gambling disorder “revealed several physiological symptoms attributable possibly to gambling withdrawal, namely, ‘headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cold sweats, tremor and nightmares to appear for a few days after admission. ” (p. 14). These symptoms are not currently recognized by the ADSM, so am not sure that they can account for symptoms of withdrawal, per say. As stated before, there is an association With gambling ND alcohol dependency and other drug dependencies.
I would imagine that if someone is addicted to gambling, they are also addicted to the lifestyle Of partying. Maybe because of this, someone who is being treated for gambling addiction also has a problem with alcohol or drugs; therefore they may have the symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or drugs. I would imagine that the feeling of restlessness and irritability would occur. That seems to be the main focus for withdrawal for gambling so therefore, someone who is addicted to gambling would feel this way when they are unable to gamble. Prevalence of
Gambling Currently, there are not many studies indicating prevalence in gambling. I did find in my research from Rash (2014) that “estimates of lifetime gambling disorder range from of the general population. ” (p. 286). So, there are not a large percentage of people with a gambling problem, but there are also not a variety of studies done either. I also found in Poker Face (2014) that “those aged 18-25 have the highest prevalence of gambling-related problems among adults. ” (p. 6). So in that 0. 4-2. 0% those between 18 and 25 years old probably contribute to a lot of the people with gambling problems.
I feel that the more research that is done on the prevalence of gambling, like race, age, sex and other criteria of people, will open up a larger picture of who is most likely to become addicted to gambling. Cost, Financially and Emotionally to the Family With all addiction, the family is usually affected negatively. The same goes for gambling addicts’ families. As stated in the ADSM-V gamblers need financial bailouts, could be family or others around them, to relieve the financial pressure associated with the addiction. The gambler will put a financial stress n their family to help them because they are gambling away all of their money.
They are wagering large amounts in hopes to make large gains. Emotionally, the family has to suffer because they are watching their loved one suffer from their addiction. As stated before, a lot of times, gamblers are addicted to other things besides just gambling, like drugs or alcohol. Not only are they struggling with gambling they are struggling with substance abuse as well. Families have a part to play in addiction because they have to watch their loved one suffer and they are suffering too. There is a treatment aerogram for family members though, called Game-Anon, which is similar to AY Anon and Near-Anon.
It is a support system for family members dealing with the consequences of their addict. They say that addiction is not only a disease for the addict, but for their family as well. Families have a huge price to pay when dealing with their family members being addicted to anything. Treatment Options for Gambling Addicts There are a few treatment options for gambling addicts. They include, Gamblers Anonymous (GA), self-directed treatments and professional treatments. According to Rash (2014), GA is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous cause they use a 1 2-step program.
It uses “social support from peers and family members. ” (p. 286). This is a program which allows gambling addicts to meet with others who have issues with gambling and they help each other stay abstinent from gambling. They help each other through the tough times like cravings, the negative outcomes of gambling and acknowledge when they are doing well and are on the right path to recovery. There are also self- directed treatments in which the addict uses workbooks and online interventions similar to GA. This is also combined with telephone support therapy.
There is also professional help available. A gambling addict can attend cognitive-behavioral therapy with a therapist. In these therapy sessions, according to Rash (2014): Topics such as identifying and managing triggers, conducting functional analysis of gambling episodes, increasing alternate activities, dealing with urges and cravings, building interpersonal conflict skills, recognizing and correcting cognitive basics, and preventing relapse. (p. 288). These topics that are discussed allow the addict to look their problems in the face and deal with them.
All three of these treatments can be effective, but the addict needs to want to stop gambling in order for them to actually work. As with any addiction, if the person does not want to stop, no matter how hard anyone tries to get them to stop, they will not stop until they want to or they are ready to stop. Conclusion In conclusion, have found that gambling addicts and drug addicts have a lot in common. Every addict is different, but they can all change together. They have similar behaviors, such as lying, jeopardizing relationships, depending on family to help them financially and preoccupation of their addiction.
