- Are You At-Risk for Problem Gambling? - Roland Scheicher
Not everyone who gambles gambles excessively. Gamblers are not all alike, nor are the problems they face. People with gambling problems come from all age groups, income groups, cultures and jobs. Some people develop gambling problems over many years; others develop it suddenly.
What problem gamblers do have in common is this: gamblers gamble for a reason. There are many reasons why a gambling problem may develop. For example, some people develop problems when they try to win back money they have lost, or because they like "the excitement." Others use the altered emotional and physical states that come with gambling as a way to escape life stresses and problems.
Problem gambling can affect all aspects of a person's life: home, job, family, health, self-esteem and much more can be lost or impaired by problem gambling.
You might be "At Risk" for Problem Gambling
Despite the fact there can be great differences between individuals who gamble problematically, some general trends and patterns have emerged. While more research is definitely needed, gambling problem are more likely to appear when:
- You have addictions to other substances and processes. Cross- and poly-addiction is common in problem gamblers. Common cross- and poly-addictions for problem gamblers include sex, alcohol, and cocaine.
- You have a personal or family history of mood, anxiety, or personality disorders. People who gamble often these issues. Almost three-quarters of compulsive gamblers experience major depression.
- You started to gamble young. You may be more likely to develop an addiction to gambling if you begin to gamble at a young age.
- You are a man (though this is changing) Compulsive gambling generally occurs in men ages 21 to 55, although the incidence is increasing among teenage boys. Far fewer women than men are compulsive gamblers, but women who do gamble may become addicted more quickly. Men tend to play blackjack and cards and to bet on sporting events and horse races. Women are more likely to play the slot machines and bingo. In social groups where gambling by women is normalized, women have the same or slightly higher rates of problem gambling as men do. Internet availability has also increased women's participation in problem gambling because in general women are more secretive about addiction behaviours of any sort, and the Internet offers greater secrecy than casinos do.
- You live close to gambling locations (though this is changing). People who live close to a casino or betting facility are more likely to develop a gambling problem. Even more problematic is access to video lotteries, sometimes called the "crack cocaine" of gambling because of their highly addictive nature. With the use of the Internet, and more gaming computer interfaces that resemble the video lotteries, location is less an issue now than in the past.
- Your family members have or had gambling problems. If your parents had a gambling problem, the chances are greater that you will too.
- You take medications used to treat Parkinson's disease. Medications called dopamine agonists, and in particular pramipexole (Mirapex), have a rare side effect that results in compulsive behavior in some people.
- You have ADHD or a “type A” personality. Being highly competitive, or often experiencing restlessness or boredom may increase your risk.
There are many on-line resources available (see the Sources section below for more information). There is even an on-line questionnaire that can help you determine if gambling is a problem for you.
When you have a gambling problem, it can be hard to find hope for the future. Just remember this: you are not alone. There is help available, whenever you are ready.
Sources:
www.problemgambling.ca “Problem Gambling: The Issues, the Options” (retrieved on January 25, 2010).
Zangeneh, Masood. Gambling research. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction v. 7, no. 1 (2009).
Chloe Sekouri - Chloe Sekouri is an art psychotherapist and adult educator who specializes in concerns with addiction, trauma, and the use of the creative ...
