In This Section
Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse
Some problem gamblers find they have a problem with alcohol or drugs. Research shows that about that about half of all compulsive gamblers have had a problem with alcohol or drugs. It is estimated that 25 to 35 percent of all people with alcohol or drug problems have also had gambling problems. This does not, however, mean that if you have a gambling problem you are guaranteed to become addicted to other things. Some problem gamblers never experience any other addiction because no other substance or activity gives them the same feeling that gambling does. It is generally accepted that people with one addiction are more at risk to develop another. There appears to be evidence of family patterns regarding dependency as many problem gamblers report one or both parents had a driniking and or gambling problem. Pathological Gambling and Alcohol Dependence are both more common among the parents of individual with Pathological Gambling than among the general population.
Compulsive or Pathological Gambling share many characteristics of substance abuse including:
- Preoccupation with the activity
- Progressive
- Chasing
- It is used to escape pain or uncomfortable feelings
- Intense cravings
- Tolerance - need to increase the amount (of money spent gambling) over time to achieve the desired effect
- Inability to stop despite negative consequences
Compulsive or Pathological Gambling differs from substance abuse in that:
- There is no substance ingested
- High is internal not external
- There are usually no visible signs
- No saturation point
- No overdose with gambling
- No urine or blood test to detect gambling
Hence, compulsive gambling has been called the "hidden addiction." Many addiction treatment professionals believe that compulsive gambling is extremely difficult to overcome because of the gambler's belief in the possibility - however slim - that the next bet can result in a big win.
THE PROBLEM IS THE SOLUTION. This is arguably the most significant difference between compulsive (pathological) gambling and substance abuse. We simply do not hear alcohol or drug dependent persons expressing "just one more drunk, buzz, high, binge etc. and that will solve my problems. The notion "I gambled my way into this mess and I will gamle my way out" is often a powerful illusion the gambler clings to much like a drowing person to a life preserver. Many compulsive gamblers operate on the misassumption that they are overdue for a big win or winning streak. This "win" will not only relieve the financial mess their gambling created but will also vindicate them, prove they were right all along, reestablish their self-worth, in short: redeem them. This FANTASY not only allows the gambler to maintain a false sense of hope but also provides powerful motivation to continue gambling. This is a potent and seductive fantasy that is often part of the gamblers dream world.
THE DREAM WORLD OF THE COMPULSIVE GAMBLER. The Gamblers Anonymous Combo Book notes that compulsive gamblers spend a lot of time "creating images of the great and wonderful things" gambling will provide them (GA, p. 11). Furthermore many gamblers have an image or identity of themselves that is directly related to gambling. They may be "The Gambler", "The High Roller", "The Knight in Shinning Armor" that will rescue/provide for others based on their winnings. The Gamblers Anonymous Combo Book further notes, "No one can convince them that their great schemes will not someday come true. They believe they will for without their dream world, life would not be tolerable" (GA, p. 11), One clear implication of this is that if the gambler gives up gambling, they must also give up the dream.
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.