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Addictive Gambling

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... attempts for pathological gamblers are higher than those with other addictions. ... they will follow the same behavior patterns of a drug addict or an alcoholic. ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Addictive Gambling


1
Addictive Gambling
  • By Yasmin Alkassem

2
In order for an individual to be diagnosed as an
addictive gambler, an individual must accomplish
at least four of the following
  • Progression (increasing preoccupation with
    gambling)
  • Tolerance (increased time or money spent on
    gambling)
  • Withdrawal (insomnia, restlessness, irritability)
  • Loss of control over gambling
  • Escape gambling
  • Lies and deception
  • Family or job disruptions
  • Financial bailouts
  • Illegal acts

3
  • A survey in Washington State found that 79
    percent of gamblers gamble for entertainment, 69
    percent want to win money, 59 percent gamble for
    the excitement, 51 percent want to socialize, and
    50 percent want to support worthy causes.
  • In Washington State, women and surveyors over the
    age of 30 were significantly more likely than men
    and surveyors under the age of 30 to say that
    they gamble to support worthy causes.
  • Male surveyors in Montana and South Dakota were
    more likely than women to say that they gamble to
    win money.

4
  • Addictive gambling is a problem that can damage
    more than just a persons finances.
  • Research from the United States shows that
    suicide attempts for pathological gamblers are
    higher than those with other addictions. One of
    every five will attempt suicide.
  • Problem gamblers have high rates of depression
    and suicidal ideation.

5
  • Wives of problem gamblers have experienced
    psychological and physical abuse.
  • Many of the spouses suffer from depression and
    stress.
  • 22 percent of compulsive gamblers divorced
    because of gambling.
  • 40 percent loose or quit a job due to gambling.
  • 49 percent have stolen from work to pay gambling
    debts.
  • 23 percent are alcoholics, 26 percent are
    compulsive overeaters, 63 percent have
    contemplated suicide, and 79 percent said they
    wanted to die.

6
  • Children with compulsive gambler parents are far
    more likely to have issues with gambling
    themselves.
  • 75 percent of problem gamblers children had
    their first gambling experience before the age of
    11.
  • When children get overly involved in a poker
    game, they will follow the same behavior patterns
    of a drug addict or an alcoholic.
  • Children of a gambler parent (s) are at a greater
    risk of using alcohol and drugs. They will be in
    trouble with the law and suicidal.
  • Children will get anxious, depressed, refuse to
    go to school, perform poorly in school, withdraw
    from friends and activities, and will worry about
    parents worries.
  • Children can also have a sense of loss. This
    loss may be for a parent who is away gambling for
    long periods. Children will feel as if they lost
    security and trust.
  • 23 percent of spouses and 17 percent of the
    children of addictive gamblers were physically
    abused.
  • There is a 53 percent of divorce rate of all
    pathological gamblers.

7
How is the environment at an addictive gamblers
home?
  • Loud arguments
  • Yelling
  • Delicate objects thrown
  • Wives beaten while the children are crying

8
  • Most crimes committed by gamblers are non
    violent, but some problem gamblers have
    demonstrated the opposite.
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Driving under the influence
  • Weapon offenses

9
How do you treat individuals with addictive
gambling?
  • Pressure from the family.
  • Court order to seek professional treatment
    (attend meetings).
  • Just as an alcoholic cannot have one more drink,
    a gambler cannot place another bet.
  • Communities have to take a more proactive
    approach to this problem, including putting more
    pressure on casinos and large gambling
    organizations to improve their business methods
    to be more ethical.
  • For example, casinos could train staff to spot
    problem gamblers and stop outrageous bets from
    taking place.
  • Casinos should be forced to broadcast public
    awareness commercials.
  • Addictive gambling causes chaos in families and
    tears them apart. It burdens society with
    increased prices, crimes, and taxes.
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