Compulsive Gambling Recovery Statistics

• Compulsive Gambling Recovery Statistics Articles
• Compulsive Gambling Recovery Statistics Domestic Violence
• Compulsive Gambling Recovery Statistics Florida
• Compulsive Gambling Recovery Statistics Definition

• Compulsive Gambling Is a Behavioural Addiction Experts used to think of addiction as solely a dependency on a chemical substance. The idea that someone could become addicted to a habit like gambling the way a person gets hooked on a drug was controversial.
• Here are 4 interesting facts about gambling addiction and recovery: 1 – The Need for More and More is a Strong Sign of Gambling Addiction. It is interesting that gambling addiction closely mimics substance abuse rather than obsessive-compulsive disorder.

If your spouse or partner seeks and completes treatment and attends 12-step meetings (such as Gamblers Anonymous) in recovery, with your support and encouragement (and your own Gam-Anon meeting attendance), there's a very good possibility that compulsive lies – and compulsive gambling – will become a thing of the past. Compulsive Gambling: United States Gambling Addiction Statistics The North American Foundation for Gambling Addiction Help reports that approximately 2.6% of the U.S. Population has some type of gambling issue. That adds up to nearly 10 million people in the United States who struggle with a gambling habit.

Problem gambling is the uncontrollable desire to gamble even when gambling has caused harm to your life. Sometimes known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, an individual with a gambling problem will risk the value of one item in the hope of getting something greater in value. The intense psychological reward felt by individuals with a gambling problem is similar to the high provided by alcohol or drugs. They are willing to take unsafe risks, lie, hide their debts and even break the law to continue gambling. If you believe someone you care about is addicted to gambling, help is available. Many people who have enrolled in treatment have been able to stop gambling and lead productive, fulfilling lives.

Gambling addiction is a condition that disrupts life in any area: social, vocational, psychological or physical. Problem gambling, like substance abuse, is a chronic disease that intensifies without treatment. Also like substance abuse, problem gambling destroys families and has a genetic component. A large percentage of family members of gamblers report domestic abuse. Individuals who gamble compulsively are also far more likely to commit a crime. Daily or regular gambling isn't necessary to have a gambling problem. Gambling is a problem if it causes problems.

Because gambling addiction doesn't cause any obvious physical effects — unless the individual also has a substance abuse problem — it can be difficult to identify problem gambling. It might be hard to believe someone you care about has a gambling problem, especially because individuals who gamble compulsively tend to lie, downplay or hide the amount of time and money they spend on it. As the problem grows worse, however, the effects of the uncomfortable feelings problem gambling causes may be undeniable.

Understanding Problem Gambling and Pathological Gambling

The common perception that an individual with a gambling problem spends every day playing online poker, at the track or sitting at a table in a casino is only partly true. Gambling is a deliberate, conscious effort to stake valuables, typically currency, on the result of some event. Activities that could be part of a gambling problem can include stock and real estate investments. It could also include buying lottery tickets if there is a large amount of time, money and emotional investment in the outcome. In an individual with a gambling disorder, there are chemical changes that can be measured in the brain similar to what occurs in those with other kinds of addictions, including substance abuse.

There is a difference between problem gambling and pathological gambling. As treatment evolves, researchers continue to debate their distinctions. In general, if an individual's gambling causes harm to the individual or others, then that is problem gambling. Problem gambling behaviors include being preoccupied with gambling, finding money to gamble, irrational thinking and continuing to gamble even though it has caused negative consequences. The American Psychiatric Association defines clinical pathological gambling as an 'impulse control disorder that is a chronic and progressive mental illness.'

Certain behaviors reveal problem and pathological gambling. Individuals with problem gambling show between one and five signs. Individuals with pathological gambling problems must demonstrate at least five of the following behaviors:

1. Preoccupation. Thoughts about gambling are frequent and may include memories, fantasies or planned future events.
2. Tolerance. To get the same rush, the individual must bet increasing amounts or bet more frequently.
3. Withdrawal. When gambling isn't an available activity, the individual feels anxious and annoyed.
4. Escape. The individual uses gambling to forget about life or boost mood.
5. Chasing. The individual 'chases' bad bets with more gambling to recover losses.
6. Lying. To hide gambling, the individual lies or downplays gambling to loved ones.
7. Loss of control. Attempts to quit gambling have failed.
8. Illegal acts. To keep gambling or recover losses, the individual breaks the law to get money.
9. Risks relationships. The individual continues to gamble even though close relationships, including professional relationships, are suffering.
10. Bailout. The individual asks for financial help from a third party because of gambling.
11. Biological bases. The individual lacks norepinephrine.

Gambling Problem Statistics

Gambling is not a victimless addiction. Not only does problem gambling cause serious problems to the family members of the addicted individual, overall problem gambling costs the economy $17 billion every year, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Important gambling problem facts and statistics include:

• Seventy-six percent of individuals who demonstrate symptoms of problem gambling are likely to have major depressive disorder. Problem gambling also frequently coexists alongside substance abuse.
• Up to half of spouses of individuals with a gambling problem have been abused. Up to 17% of children of problem gamblers have been abused.
• About half of individuals with gambling disorders commit crimes, and about 67% of those crimes are directly related to gambling.
• Nearly three quarters of incarcerated individuals have gambling problems.
• Nearly one quarter of college students gamble online. The number of college students who gamble online is growing faster than any other age group.
• Online gamblers are far more likely to demonstrate signs of a gambling problem than those who gamble in person. Smartphone gaming contributes to the increase in problem gambling.
• Men develop gambling addiction faster and earlier than women, but the number of women who gamble compulsively is growing. Once women demonstrate signs of pathological gambling, the signs worsen faster than in men.
• People who have broken the law within the past year are more likely to exhibit severe symptoms of gambling addiction. These individuals are more likely to require longer periods of intensive treatment to recover fully.

Who Is at Risk for Problem Gambling and Pathological Gambling?

Anyone can develop a problem gambling or pathological gambling problem, but certain factors make addiction more likely. Individuals who show signs of problem or pathological gambling are also highly likely to have a behavior or mood disorder. Common coexisting disorders include schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder, drug addiction, alcoholism and mood disorders. Other psychological problems that frequently occur in individuals with problem gambling include low levels of serotonin, feelings of dissociation and a strong attraction to playing video games because of the relaxed or aroused feelings that result.

There is a genetic link, too — when parents, siblings or other loved ones gamble, their behaviors may influence impressionable family members who are already biologically predisposed to gamble. Competitive personalities, those who exhibit workaholic tendencies and individuals who are easily bored may also crave the stimulation provided by gambling. Certain medications for Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome can also cause compulsive gambling behavior.

Like alcoholism and drug addiction, individuals who start gambling young are more likely to develop a pathological gambling problem. Adolescents and teens who start early are more likely to develop a gambling problem if they:

• Are male
• Live in a single-parent household and especially if household income is below the median
• Play sports
• Live in an unstable environment or have other problems at home
• Have low self-esteem

The Relationship Between Gambling, Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

The same risk factors that increase an individual's risk for developing a gambling disorder also increase the risk for developing alcohol and/or drug dependence, leading some to describe pathological gambling as 'addiction without the drug.' One study found 44 percent of individuals with gambling disorder also report evidence of alcohol use disorder. The same study determined that as the severity of the gambling problem increased, so did the risk for alcohol use disorders. Another study found over one quarter of respondents reported problematic gambling behavior and a history of alcoholism or drug abuse.

• Are male
• Live in a single-parent household and especially if household income is below the median
• Play sports
• Live in an unstable environment or have other problems at home
• Have low self-esteem

The Relationship Between Gambling, Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

The same risk factors that increase an individual's risk for developing a gambling disorder also increase the risk for developing alcohol and/or drug dependence, leading some to describe pathological gambling as 'addiction without the drug.' One study found 44 percent of individuals with gambling disorder also report evidence of alcohol use disorder. The same study determined that as the severity of the gambling problem increased, so did the risk for alcohol use disorders. Another study found over one quarter of respondents reported problematic gambling behavior and a history of alcoholism or drug abuse.

The number of studies demonstrating a positive correlation between substance abuse and problem gambling has led researchers to suspect individuals with a current pathological gambling diagnosis are 23 times more likely to have a current alcohol problem. Also, people with a pathological gambling problem are two to four times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder. This may explain in part why the health of individuals with a chronic gambling problem deteriorates as the disease progresses.

Although individuals with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to start gambling, people with higher socioeconomic status are more likely to show signs of alcohol dependence and pathological gambling. With prompt intervention and treatment, individuals who suffer from substance abuse and gambling disorders can fully recover and live productive lifestyles.

Identifying a Gambling Problem

Although the signs of pathological gambling may be clear to loved ones, identifying the early signs of a gambling problem may prove more difficult. Nevertheless, as with other kinds of addictions, the earlier your loved one gets treatment the easier achieving a full recovery will be. That makes identifying the problem the first step to getting better. Common behaviors and signs of problem gambling include:

• Spending increasingly more time thinking about and planning gambling. Your loved one may have started gambling in person and progressed to playing online. Pay close attention to the amount of time and money your loved one spends gambling online.
• Spending more money on gambling. Many individuals who develop gambling problems spend increasing amounts of money on gambling. This may include running up large debts or developing schemes to finance more gambling. This occurs because individuals with pathological gambling problems need to bet larger amounts to get the same rush. You might also notice your loved one betting the same amount each time, but with increasing frequency.
• Erratic or irritable moods. When gambling isn't an available option, your loved one might exhibit clear discomfort or annoyance. As the disorder worsens, so will the mood swings. If your loved one also drinks too much or uses drugs, these mood swings will grow more intense.
• Ignoring other activities and obligations to gamble instead. Skipping out on once-favored activities and pastimes in favor of gambling is problem behavior. Avoiding professional obligations to gamble requires immediate help.
• Hanging out with new friends or spending more time alone. If people who don't gamble no longer play a role in the life of your loved one or if spending time online is more important than relaxing with loved ones, then gambling may be a problem.
• Worsening personal problems. Your loved one might get in trouble with the law or demonstrate evidence of growing problems with close relationships. If your loved one has started stealing to pay for gambling or engages in other unlawful activities to raise money for gambling, he or she needs help. Other personal problems may include divorce, estrangement from friends and loved ones, and job loss.
• Evidence of domestic violence and other family problems. One of the most unfortunate gambling problem effects is domestic violence. Domestic violence and child abuse are far more likely in families where one member exhibits signs of problem gambling. A child of a problem gambler might show symptoms of depression, act out or abuse drugs or alcohol.

Treating Gambling Addiction

Compulsive Gambling Recovery Statistics Articles

Like substance abuse, there is no well-defined treatment for problem gambling and pathological gambling. Instead, care typically involves a holistic approach. Holistic treatment is a full-spectrum regimen that addresses all aspects of the struggling individual's lifestyle, including physical, psychological, behavioral and spiritual health and wellness. If the individual also demonstrates signs and symptoms of alcoholism or drug addiction, holistic treatment can manage those issues, too.

Many individuals opt for inpatient holistic treatment alongside participation in support groups such as Gamblers' Anonymous (GA). The GA one-year abstinence rate of 8% is greatly improved when participation is combined with psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one such treatment. During CBT, the individual and therapist identify triggers that lead to gambling. They also develop coping strategies that help the individual avoid gambling and using, if necessary.

Another benefit of holistic therapy is the ability to diagnose a coexisting disorder such as depression. Because an individual with a gambling problem is more likely to show signs of major depressive disorder, psychiatric treatment as well as pharmacological remedies such as non-addictive antidepressants have shown promise in reducing the urge to gamble while also improving quality of life. It is important to note psychotherapy shows the most promise in treating gambling disorders, and medication alone is not effective.

There are several ways to find treatment, and there is an array of options. Individuals with a pathological gambling problem are likely to require more intensive treatment than those with a gambling problem. Gambling treatment options range from free or low-cost group support meetings such as GA to residential addiction treatment. Residential treatment allows the addicted individual time away from 'real life' to focus exclusively on solving the gambling problem. It is also more likely to provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of the addiction.

Compulsive Gambling Recovery Statistics Domestic Violence

Gambling Problem Support

There is effective gambling problem support for you. The sooner you seek help, the easier it will be to overcome your addiction. Speak with your healthcare professional or research your treatment options online to find the right fit for you. Ideally, you'll find a long-term treatment plan that addresses healing on every level, not just the addiction alone. This means improving on a physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual level. By healing on all levels, you will be in a stronger place to maintain sobriety for the long term.

Popular culture often associates gambling with flashy casinos, bright lights, and glamour, but there is more to gambling than playing blackjack at a local casino. The popular media rarely shows the downside of problem gambling. Much like other addictions, excessive or problem gambling can lead to negative consequences such as relationship issues, debt, loss of employment, bankruptcy, foreclosures, and repossessions. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that in the United States, about 2 million (or 1 percent) of adults meet criteria for pathological gambling in a given year, and another 4–6 million (up to 3 percent) of adults would be considered problem gamblers.

Problem gambling comes at a cost, and VA is committed to helping Veterans recognize that they are not alone in confronting it. One way that VA is addressing gambling problems among Veterans is by asking the right questions in a health care setting.

What does problem gambling among Veterans look like?

A pilot study conducted by the VISN 1 New England MIRECC and funded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission assessed the utility and feasibility of using the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS) for detecting gambling disorder among Veterans seeking mental health treatment services at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Massachusetts. The study screened 260 Veterans from November 2017 through September 2018 in the hospital's Primary Care Behavioral Health clinic, and 32.7 percent of respondents reported gambling within the past 12 months. Most of the Veterans who participated were seen for depression and anxiety-related problems. Researchers found no significant differences in the demographics, medical conditions, or mental health co-morbidities of the Veterans who gambled recreationally and those who had gambling disorder.

The most frequent forms of gambling were the traditional lottery (played by 25 percent of the Veterans), instant lottery scratch-off tickets (used by 31 percent), and card games (played by 10 percent). Of the 85 Veterans in the study who had gambled in the past year, five (5.9 percent) screened positive for gambling disorder on the BBGS and said they had problems with gambling. All five of these Veterans were white men with reported histories of anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, three of these Veterans also met the American Psychiatric Association's full DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder, and strikingly, all three Veterans were also having suicidal thoughts at the time of the screening.

Veterans may also engage in gambling-related activities as an escape or a way to avoid seeking treatment for mental health challenges. This type of gambling-related escapism has been studied in the general population, such as in this study from Rory C. Reid, Ph.D., and colleagues; however, further research is needed to better understand the apparent association between gambling disorder and mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts, and to develop improved strategies for encouraging Veterans to seek help.

What can Veterans expect from VA care providers?

Compulsive Gambling Recovery Statistics Florida

Results from the Massachusetts study suggest that self-disclosure of problem gambling and outreach efforts by VA health care providers could increase Veterans' participation in treatment services. By sharing information about gambling with their primary care provider, Veterans can start the journey toward a healthier lifestyle and limit the potential negative impacts.

How can Veterans take the first step toward recovery?

Compulsive Gambling Recovery Statistics Definition

The path to recovery for problem gambling starts with disclosing information about gambling to a health care provider. This open communication encourages early intervention and treatment and increases the likelihood of recovery and stability for Veterans and their loved ones. Veterans and their family members and friends can start by exploring the following resources:

• The VA resource locator can identify recovery programs and other resources near you. Simply fill in your ZIP code or state and check the boxes to indicate the programs or topics you are interested in learning more about.
• Coaching Into Care is a service to help you and your family members and other loved ones find the appropriate services at your local VA facilities and/or in your community. Call 888-823-7458 to get started.
• The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) is an educational resource, which can help you understand gambling disorders and learn about effective methods of treatment.
• The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700) where you can call and get support for a gambling problem. Help is available 24/7 and is 100 percent confidential.
• Make the Connection is an online resource designed to connect you, your family members and friends, and other supporters with information and resources about issues affecting your life. Learn more about overcoming gambling problems and hear stories from other Veterans.

The VISN 1 New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) was established in 1997 and has two locations at VA Connecticut Healthcare System — West Haven Campus and Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Massachusetts. The mission of the VISN 1 New England MIRECC is to improve mental health treatments and access to services for Veterans who have been diagnosed with both substance use and mental health issues. The center's work focuses on Veterans with co-occurring addictions and mental illnesses as well as related issues, such as VA-compensated disabilities, homelessness, criminal justice histories, and medical co-morbidities. For more information on VISN 1, visit mirecc.va.gov/visn1/index.asp.