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Phases of Compulsive Gambling
Problem or Pathological gambling is a behavior disorder that tends to get worse over time unless it is treated. Gamblers go through phases of behavior as they fall into the grip of problem/pathological gambling. Not all gamblers go through all the phases, nor do they experience the phases in any particular order. They progress through the phases at different rates. Experts have identified four phases the compulsive gambler goes through.
Four Phases of Compulsive Gambling
The Winning Phase
In the initial stage, gamblers find betting fun, exciting, social or sometimes a way to escape the stress of work, family or loneliness. Sometimes in this phase, people win large sums of money. They feel invincible, so they bet larger amounts, they believe they will win more. Gamblers like the excitement, the dream of winning big, or the escape from every day problems or stress. The gambler spends more time gambling. Eventually, they lose.
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The Losing Phase
In the second stage, the gambler becomes preoccupied with gambling. The need for bigger and more frequent bets grows. They seek more action. They believe they can quit whenever they want to but they do not see a need to quit. They believe that they are on a losing streak. They gamble to win back their losses (Chasing). They gamble then lie about it. They hide their losses.
At some point, the gambler experiences his first major set back, deep financial trouble. The gambler obtains his first "bailout". He considers the "bailout" as a win, since he probably borrowed more money than needed. They take loans so they can continue to gamble. Bailouts can occur numerous times. They break their promises to quit gambling. They borrow from friends and family. Their relationships begin to suffer.
The Desperation Phase
In the third stage, the gambler may experience health problems, relationships may fall apart, and the gambler may turn to crime. They feel desperation and hopelessness as their losses continue to mount. They cling to their fantasy of winning, hoping to make everything better again. They finally realize the can’t quit, but they continue to gamble anyway. They have little concern for the people around them. They steal, write bad checks, or commit illegal acts to finance their gambling. They sometimes have winning episodes but only as a means of continuing to gamble.
The Hopeless Phase
Some experts believe there is a fourth stage, the hopeless stage. The gambler no longer believes there is hope or help. They believe nothing can help. The gambler gives up. They don't care if they live or die. Most will commit actions that will place them in jail or prison. Depression is common and suicide is a real risk.
It is important to know that problem gambling is treatable, but it is not curable. Like an alcoholic, a problem gambler cannot eliminate the desire to gamble, only put it into remission. A problem gambler cannot gamble "a little."
This information on problem gambling is offered solely in the interest of helping those individuals who have developed problems with their gambling behaviors. If you or someone you know exhibits the behaviors of problem gambling, seek help. The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for treatment.