2000 Volunteer Leader Training Guide
Pathological and Social Gambling
Information Sheet
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Ask: What is gambling?
Gambling can be defined as playing a game of chance for
stakes. Some common forms include pari-mutuels (for example, horse and dog
tracks, off-|rack better parlors), lotteries, casinos (slot machines, table
games), bookmaking, card rooms, bingo and the stock market.
Ask: What is the difference between recreational and
pathological gambling?
Recreational Gambling means playing games of chance for
fun. You can accept your losses. Gambling does not interfere with family, social
or work obligations. Examples include the occasional poker game, Super Bowl
bets, a yearly trip to a casino resort, an occasional lottery purchase.
Pathological Gambling is a progressive disease that
devastates not only the gambler but everyone with whom he or she has a
significant relationship. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association accepted
pathological gambling as a *disorder of impulse control.* The illness is
chronic and progressive, but can be diagnosed and treated.
Ask: How does a person become a gambling addict?
Experts are not sure. But one expert, Robert L. Custer, M.D.,
identified three stages of the progression of gambling addiction.
1. Winning Phase. Gamblers experience a big win or a
series of wins that leaves them with unreasonable optimism that their winning
will continue. The gambler is excited and increases the amounts of his or her
bets.
2. Losing Phase. The gambler brags about his or her wins,
starts gambling alone, thinks more about gambling and borrow money " legally or
illegally " to continue playing. He or she starts lying to family and friends
and becomes more irritable, restless and withdrawn. Home life is more unhappy.
The gambler can*t pay off the gambling debt. The gambler chases any losses,
plays more to win back the losses.
3. Desperation Phase. More time is spent gambling. The
gambler is alienated from family and friends, blames others, feels remorse,
panics and commits illegal acts to pay for more gambling. This may lead to
hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and attempts, arrest, divorce, alcohol and other
drug abuse or an emotional breakdown.
The Gambler's Affect on Family, Friends,
Workplace, School and Community
Ask: Do the gamblers' friends and families go through phases
that parallel the gamblers' progressive downward condition?
Answer: Yes.
Ask: What are the phases?
Denial Phase. Spouse and others keep concerns to selves.
Accepts remorse of gambler. Makes excuses for gambler. Easily reassured.
Stress Phase Spouse feels rejected, makes demands upon
gambler, attempts to control the gambling, provides bailouts, avoids children,
family and friends and generally feels isolation.
Exhaustion Phase. Spouse*s thinking is impaired, feels
rage, doubts his or her sanity, may have physical symptoms as well as feelings
of anxiety and panic.
Ask: What are some steps or responses a family member or
friends can take to help themselves and the gambler?
Recovery (not cure) from a gambling addiction or the effects
of compulsive gambling on the spouse or person close to a gambler is possible
with HELP!
1. Review the items on the questionnaires on Handouts 2 and 3,
directed toward a compulsive gambler or the person or spouse close to a gambler.
Or to help others, review and become familiar with the items.
If this applies to you as gambler or friend/spouse of gambler.
If you feel there is a problem in your life, review the suggestions for help and
take action.
If this may apply to someone close to you, make the person
aware. Keep in mind you can build awareness but cannot make another person
take action.
2. Check with your physician or clergyman to help you find
counseling services and 12-Step self-help groups. Many gambling recovery
programs follow a twelve-step model similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. For
starters, see page 3 of Pathological and Social Gambling.
3. Contact one or more of the following:
National
Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-552-4700, 24 Hours Help Line
Gamblers
Anonymous:
National Number 1-213-386-8789
Gam-Anon: Help for Family and Friends 1-718-352-1671
Arkansas Gamblers Anonymous meeting schedule
Gamblers
Anonymous International Directory
| Arkansas |
| Monday |
Thursday |
Saturday |
|
Little Rock G.A.
7:00 PM
2nd Presbyterian Church
I-430 and Cantrell Rd.
Little Rock, AR
|
Hot Springs G.A.
7:00 PM
Alano Club
118 Plateau
Hot Springs, AR
|
West Memphis G.A.
7:00 PM
Bethel AME Church
2403 East Barton
West Memphis, AR
|
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