What is it

Problematic gambling followed by the risk of addiction exists for many people involved with that kind of behaviour and may result to various psychological as well as financial and social problems. The DSM IV classifies pathological gambling addiction in the impulse control disorders category. Failed attempts to resist gambling despite its negative consequences are a common denominator in gamblers’ life.

How is it developing

In the initial stage the player experiences intense emotion, excitement and pleasure. Usually some windfall will reinforce this behaviour and especially the false beleif that luck is under control and, thus, the outcome of the game will be in his favor.

Gambling is a dynamic process that evolves without the player being easily aware of it. In the next stage the frequency and duration in time increases as well as the amounts invested and lost.

Gradually, this game absorbs him more and more while at the same time he distances himself from other roles and responsibilities he may have in his life. Control begins lost and entrapment comes into the constant pursuit of lost money.

The emotional ups and downs become very intense and feelings of hopelesseness, depression or even suicidal ideation may appear.

 Seeking for help

The player at first may promise himself not to play again. This will probably happen after having lost a large amount of money or after a conflict with significant others in his life.

After repeated failed attempts to control his behaviour he will consider seeking for help. However it is  quite possible that someone else being in a close relationship to him will ask for help instead of him.

Although it may be plausible that the gamblers’ goal is to gain money, as a matter of fact, the needs that are met through this behaviour are deeper than that. The mechanism of entrapment being developed in this behaviour is similar to the mechanism that develops in alcohol and drug addiction.

When turning to a therapist it is quite important to be someone expert in adictive behaviours because an individualized treatment protocol needs to be followed taking consideration the addicted person’s needs in order to be effective.