Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step recovery program and support group in which men and women share their experiences, struggles, wisdom, and support about problem gambling.1 There are no dues or paperwork to join Gamblers Anonymous; the only requirement is that you want to end your gambling problem.1 Though Gamblers Anonymous is not associated with any religious group or political affiliation, some people find the 12-step principle of surrendering your problems to a higher power to have distinctly religious overtones. However, Gamblers Anonymous is welcoming of people of all ages, religions, and racial backgrounds—you just need to want to end your gambling addiction.
Despite the serious individual and societal costs of problem gambling, few countries currently monitor statistics on gambling addiction. Neither the World Health Organization nor the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction can give prevalence rates for gambling addiction.2 However, in Canada, the Alberta Gambling Research Institute reports that gambling addiction affects approximately 2% of the population; in the United States, about 1% of the population suffers from a gambling addiction.2,3
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What are the Benefits of Attending a Meeting?
Gamblers Anonymous is a community of people who want the same goal: freedom from gambling addiction. Many Gamblers Anonymous members may also be struggling with other mental health or behavioral addictions. As a group, Gamblers Anonymous members share their wisdom, experiences, ideas for maintaining recovery, and healthy habits so that others may benefit. Members offer each other support, understanding, compassion, and solace when times are tough. Often, Gamblers Anonymous members will serve as sponsors to newer members who need more intensive support or a person to call when urges hit.
Do You Have A Gambling Addiction?
Gambling becomes an addiction when it is something you or a loved one cannot control and when it begins to affect a person’s financial, familial, social, recreational, educational, or occupational functioning. Read More
When you attend a Gamblers Anonymous meeting, you will meet with other people struggling with the same problem gambling behaviors. The session begins with a short prayer that lets members thank their higher power for help in overcoming their addictions. The principles of Gamblers Anonymous are based on the idea that recovery involves hearing stories and learning from the wisdom of others. During the meeting, members have the chance to share their experiences, worries, fears, and successes. Members can also discuss any temptations they may have recently had. You might also find the person you would like to have as a sponsor.
Gamblers Anonymous members follow the 12 steps—members must fully complete one step before moving to the next one. These steps include:1
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Admitting that you have no control over your gambling.
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Asking a higher power for help overcoming the addiction.
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Making a deliberate decision to turn your life over to your higher power.
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Making an inventory of your moral and financial assets.
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Admitting to yourself and a confidant what you have done wrong.
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Being ready to change your character flaws.
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Asking your higher power for help changing these character flaws.
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Making a list of the people you have harmed because of your gambling addiction.
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Making amends for mistakes you made in the past.
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Continuing to take stock of what you did wrong in the past and where you can improve.
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Seeking wisdom from your higher power and the strength to follow that wisdom.
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Reaching out to other gambling addicts to promote the message of your higher power.
Gamblers Anonymous meetings often last 60 to 90 minutes and meet once or multiple times per week. People suffering from gambling addiction can attend the same meeting regularly or can attend any meeting near them whenever the urge to gamble hits.
What Is Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction is a serious behavioral health condition that is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Currently, gambling addiction is the only behavioral addiction listed in the DSM-5, though other behavioral addictions do exist and are being researched alongside gambling addiction.
According to the DSM-5, to receive a gambling addiction diagnosis, you must display the following behaviors:4
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Feeling the need to gamble with greater amounts of money in order to feel the same high, rush, or satisfaction
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Feeling irritable or restless when unable to gamble or when trying to resist gambling
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Making several unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut back on gambling
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Excessive thinking or talking about gambling or ways to get money for gambling
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Using gambling as a way to relieve stress
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Returning to gambling even after losing significant amounts of money
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Attempting to recuperate losses by gambling more
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Lying to hide one’s extent of involvement or trouble with gambling
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Jeopardizing relationships, school, or work to gamble
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Turning to friends and family members in order to get funds for gambling or to get out of financial difficulties caused by gambling
At least four of these criteria must be present within a 12-month period for a person to be considered to have a gambling addiction.
One of the most well-studied risk factors for gambling addiction is alcohol consumption. Research has identified the riskiest types of gambling that most often lead to addiction. The riskiest type is casino gambling, followed by purchasing lottery tickets, using scratch cards, and playing bingo.5 Research has also shown that the more you engage in a variety of different types of gambling, the more likely that you are to develop a gambling addiction.5 Further, if you abuse alcohol and gamble, you are extremely likely to develop a gambling addiction.5 Members of minority groups and low socioeconomic brackets are statistically more likely to engage in pathological gambling than other demographic groups.5
One of the most well-studied risk factors for gambling addiction is alcohol consumption. Both gambling and alcohol abuse are serious behavioral health conditions that require specialized treatment. However, research indicates that alcohol consumption is only a risk factor for gambling addiction if alcohol is consumed while gambling.6 Study results show that individuals who gambled while sober and drank while not gambling had few to no symptoms of gambling addiction.6
Studies have also shown that compulsive gambling is associated with an increased risk for other addictive behaviors. For example, around 36% of illicit substance abusers also suffer from gambling addiction, though some studies have determined the rate to be as high as 59%.7 Gambling addiction may also be linked to eating disorders, such as compulsive eating; approximately 6% of problematic gamblers simultaneously struggle with some form of eating disorder.7 Further, 12% to 14% of people who are addicted to gambling may also suffer from sex addiction, and 24% may suffer from shopping addiction.7
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The Role of 12-Step Groups in Recovery
If you believe you or someone you care about may be suffering from gambling addiction, joining a 12-step program like Gamblers Anonymous may be a good way to begin gaining control over this behavioral health problem. When dealing with any sort of behavioral or mental health problem, it is helpful to have the support of people who are going through a similar experience. This is what Gamblers Anonymous provides.
Some people decide to use Gamblers Anonymous as their primary form of treatment from gambling addiction, while others prefer to go to a gambling addiction or dual diagnosis treatment facility. Whichever treatment modality you choose, Gamblers Anonymous can help you maintain your recovery program long-term.
Gambling addiction is a difficult problem to overcome, but it is possible. With the help of a support group like Gamblers Anonymous, many people are able to abstain from gambling and get their lives back on track. If you are struggling with a gambling addiction, consider attending a Gamblers Anonymous meeting near you. There is no commitment to join, so you can see if Gamblers Anonymous is a right fit for you.
Sources
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Gamblers Anonymous. (2016). About Us.
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Gowing, L. R., Ali, R. L., Allsop, S., Marsden, J., Turf, E. E., West, R. & Witton, J. (2015). Global Statistics on Addictive Behaviors: 2014 Status Report.
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Potenza, M. N., Fiellin, D. A., Heninger, G. R., Rounsaville, B. J. & Mazure, C. M. (2002). Gambling: An Addictive Behavior with Health and Primary Care Implications. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 17(9), 721–732.
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
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Welte, J. W., Barnes, G. M., Wieczorek, W. F., Tidwell, M. C. O., & Parker, J. C. (2004). Risk Factors for Pathological Gambling. Addictive Behaviors, 29, 323–335.
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Welte, J. W., Barnes, G. M., Wievzorek, W., F. & Tidwell, M. C. O. (2004). Simultaneous drinking and gambling: A Risk Factor for Pathological Gambling. Substance Use & Misuse, 39(9), 1405–1422.
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Sussman, S., Lisha, N., & Griffiths, M. (2011). Prevalence of the Addictions: A Problem of the Majority or the Minority? Evaluation & The Health Professions, 34(1), 3–56.
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Gambling can be a fun, legal form of entertainment, but when the highs and lows of winning and losing become addictive, gaming and betting can take a serious toll on the lives of gamblers and their families.
Compulsive gamblers can lose and win thousands of dollars within a matter of days, or even hours, because they are unable to stop. The euphoric rush that accompanies a win can be so exhilarating that gamblers begin to crave that euphoria. When gamblers lose, the emotional crash of a loss requires a quick fix to regain that high. The inability to stop gambling, in spite of the negative consequences to one’s life, is known as gambling addiction, problem gambling, or compulsive gambling.
These days, gaming, wagering, and betting take many forms. At one time, bets were confined to racetracks, casinos, and organized or informal games. The stereotypical problem gambler was a male who frequented these venues and who also engaged in substance use or abuse. Today, gambling is recognized as a problem that affects individuals from all walks of life, encompassing all age groups and both genders. With the growing popularity of online gambling, it’s not even necessary to leave one’s home in order to wager money.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) estimates that although approximately 5 million Americans meet the criteria for compulsive gambling, only around 8 percent of these individuals will ever seek help for their problem. Yet according to the NCPG, gambling addiction is very treatable once it has been identified. Professional rehab programs can address this destructive process and help individuals regain control over their lives.
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Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction
Identifying the warning signs of gambling addiction is the first step in getting help.
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to detect these red flags, especially if the gambler is in denial about the problem. For many families, the first sign that a member of the household has a gambling problem is the sudden loss of a large sum of money. However, there are other signs to watch for that may help prevent serious damage to a family’s welfare.
Unlike normal recreational gamblers, the problem gambler may display the following behaviors:
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Giving up favorite hobbies, recreational activities, or family events in order to gamble
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Opening up a new checking account or applying for new credit cards without any apparent need for more money
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Possessing large amounts of cash, which then disappear
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Acting secretive or defensive about one’s gambling activities
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Having difficulties at work or conflicts in relationships because of gambling wins or losses
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Loss of control over how much money is wagered in any given gambling session
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Attempting to stop gambling without success
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Placing increasingly large bets or taking increasingly dangerous risks (such as borrowing money from illegal sources or stealing from others)
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Expressing guilt, shame, or remorse about gambling yet being unable to stop
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Asking to borrow money from friends or family members, with no obvious need for extra cash
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Lying about activities or spending habits
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Spending a lot of time online and refusing to talk about activities on the computer
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The most obvious repercussions of gambling addiction are often financial. Problem gamblers can lose alarming sums of money in a very short period of time.
In addition to the monetary impact of gambling, there are many psychological and physical side effects, such as:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Substance abuse
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Insomnia
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Stomach problems
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Heart problems
The loss of large amounts of money can be devastating to problem gamblers. They may fall into a severe depression, which may lead to suicidal thoughts, self-destructive behavior, or attempted suicide. In order to alleviate feelings of depression and despair, gamblers may use this addictive process as a way to escape or to fix their problems. Gambling thus becomes a cycle in which the elation or depression that follow an episode lead to greater risk-taking and higher bets.
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Causes and Risk Factors
Why does one individual engage in gambling only occasionally, and strictly for entertainment, while another can’t stop betting and taking self-destructive risks with their money? The answer may lie in one or more causes or risk factors:
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Neurochemistry:Compulsive gambling, also known as pathologic gambling, triggers physical and emotional reactions that are similar to the responses to drug or alcohol use. A big win can trigger the release of naturally occurring chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine, creating a rush of pleasure and energy, as well as feelings of power and invincibility. The Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine points to research stating that individuals with a gambling problem may have lower than average levels of norepinephrine, a chemical that generates feelings of energy. The high of a gambling win may help to create sensations of elation or power that their natural chemistry does not provide.
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Family history: If one of more close relatives has a history of compulsive behavior or addiction, the risk of developing an addiction to gambling or another substance or process is increased. According to Alcohol Research & Health, the risk of developing alcoholism is up to 60 percent greater in males or females who have a family history of alcohol abuse. This genetic predisposition appears to apply to other forms of substance abuse, as well as to process addictions like compulsive gambling.
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Social and environmental factors: Living in an environment where gambling is widely practiced and accepted can increase one’s chances of becoming a compulsive gambler. Other social factors, such as isolation from others, peer pressure to gamble, or the frequent abuse of drugs or alcohol may contribute to problem gambling. Some individuals gamble out of loneliness and a need for distraction, while others may gamble out of a need to relieve stress or to gain approval from peers.
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Co-occurring mental illness or substance use disorders: Mayo Clinic notes that compulsive gambling is more common among people who have a co-occurring mental health diagnosis — such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety — or a substance use disorder. Impulse control disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also increase the risk of having a problem with gambling.
In order to engage in compulsive gambling, the individual must have the opportunity to participate in betting activities and at least minimal resources or borrowed money in order to place bets. The arrival of online gambling, which requires only access to a personal computer and an internet connection, has eliminated the need to leave one’s home in order to gamble. According to a report from Rubin Brown Consultants, US revenue from gaming increased to $68.7 billion between 2013 and 2015, largely as a result of the popularity of online gaming and limited stakes gaming, or the slot machines available in public venues.
Gambling Addiction and Substance Abuse
Pathologic gambling frequently co-occurs with alcoholism or drug abuse. Free alcoholic beverages are often available at casinos, where drinking is encouraged in order to release inhibitions against spending money. Alcohol or drugs may be used to celebrate a win, to console oneself for a loss, or to mentally escape from the shame and guilt associated with gambling. In addition, the same neurochemical factors that make some individuals vulnerable to gambling addiction may predispose them to substance abuse.Having a predisposition toward compulsive gambling seems to go hand in hand with a tendency toward other forms of addictive behavior, including drug addiction or alcoholism. Problem gambling also coexists frequently with forms of mental illness, such as personality disorders, anxiety, or depression.
A study of 69 compulsive gamblers published in the American Journal of Psychiatry revealed the following results:
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62 percent of the gamblers in the study suffered from a co-occurring psychiatric disorder
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42 percent met the diagnostic criteria for a personality disorder
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33 percent met the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence
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Study participants with dual diagnoses suffered more negative consequences as a result of their gambling than those who did not have a co-occurring mental illness or substance use disorder
Alcohol and illicit drugs can worsen the impact of gambling addiction by impairing the individual’s judgment and encouraging the kind of risk-taking behavior that leads to significant financial losses and negative effects on the individual’s health. Substance abuse also exacerbates the physical and psychological effects of gambling, increasing the severity of conditions such as heart disease, digestive problems, anxiety disorders, depression, and the risk of heart attack or stroke. The longer substance abuse and pathologic gambling go untreated, the greater the risk of serious health consequences as a result of both addictions.
The Gambling Rehab Process
Although gambling addiction is a serious, potentially dangerous disorder, it can be treated with a combination of therapeutic modalities, recovery resources, and supportive psychosocial services. These therapies and services are available through professional treatment programs that specialize in addressing compulsive gambling, with or without a co-occurring substance use disorder. Treatment may take place at an inpatient facility, where 24-hour supervision and support are provided, or at an outpatient rehab program, which offers greater autonomy and flexibility to clients.
An admission assessment will help to determine which level of care is appropriate for the individual client and which recovery services should be included in the treatment plan.
Some of the core therapies available through gambling recovery programs include:
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Individual therapy:Working one-on-one with a therapist, the compulsive gambler strengthens the motivation to stop gambling, identifies triggers and dysfunctional coping strategies, and learns how to deal with stresses and triggers in more effective, productive ways. Therapists utilize modalities such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), a collaborative approach that engages both the client and therapist in an effort to overcome addiction.
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Group therapy:Group therapy sessions help problem gamblers build a network of supportive peers who are working to overcome the same issues. In group therapy, members exchange personal experiences, coping strategies, and hopes for the future. Self-help support groups like Gamblers Anonymous and other 12-Step programs can be an important component of a comprehensive recovery plan.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):CBT addresses the self-defeating thoughts and behaviors that lead to problem gambling. The Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine notes that CBT is especially helpful at correcting the delusional thinking that characterizes compulsive gambling, such as the belief that one can win in spite of repeated, devastating losses.
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Family or couples counseling: In contemporary therapeutic settings, addiction is viewed as a problem that affects entire families, not just isolated individuals. As a result, the family must be treated as a unit in order for rehab to be successful. Family and couples counseling helps to create a more supportive home environment that is conducive to sobriety and a life free from gambling or substance abuse. This form of counseling also strengthens the bonds among family members, defines boundaries, and reestablishes trust.
In the initial stages of treatment, detox may be required if the client has an active drug or alcohol problem as well as gambling addiction.
After establishing a foundation for recovery from gambling and/or substance abuse, individuals in a rehab program may be ready to move from inpatient care to outpatient treatment, or from outpatient treatment to an autonomous life in the community. Gambling addiction programs provide a network of support services that aid the individual throughout the phases of rehab and aftercare.
Seeking Help for Gambling Addiction
Intervening on behalf of a loved one with a compulsive gambling problem could be the first step in preventing the negative consequences of gambling addiction.
The sooner an individual with this disorder gets help, the greater the chances of restoring health and avoiding damage to the family. Like alcoholism, drug addiction, and other forms of addictive behavior, gambling addiction can be treated in the right setting, with the guidance of a multidisciplinary team of professionals. A program dedicated to treating the symptoms and behaviors associated with pathologic gambling is the most effective means of recovery.