The
side of gambling casinos never talk about
Dear Mark,
I am a graduate student working on my Masters degree in
Abnormal Psychology. My thesis is on Compulsive/Problem
Gamblers. Any information on the extent of the problem,
trends, profiles and treatment of problem gambling would
be greatly appreciated. Jane B.
I questioned myself, Jane, if your inquiry was appropriate
for this type of column-unequivocally YES!
Extent
of the Problem: The magnitude of problem gambling ceaselessly
draws heated debate. Groups like the National Coalition
against Legalized Gambling believe the wrath of gambling
leads to the gates of prison, insanity or death. The casino
industry disputes any figure and gives problem gambling
limited lip service. Setting biased opinions aside, a good
frame of reference is the number of studies showing that
anywhere from 5-10 million people in the United States (2%
of the population) can be considered compulsive gamblers,
with an additional 3% problem gamblers. Research also indicates
that as many as 7% of teenagers could be addicted to gambling.
Trends:
As gambling proliferates across America-legal in 27 states
by 1998-one frightening trend always, repeat always, appears.
Saturate any area with gambling and the prevalence of problem
gambling spirals upward. I am personally inclined to believe
that problem gambling will continue to accelerate north
for two reasons.
1.
Social attitudes toward gambling have changed from negative
to positive.
2.
Church and state got into the gambling business. Be it church
bingo, Las Vegas Nights, the lottery or casino gambling,
both institutions not only legitimized gambling but depend
on these legalized activities as a way of generating revenues.
Profile:
Until the mid-1970s, your typical compulsive gambler was
a white, middle-aged man. Today's profile according to the
Council of Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey crosses all
ages, races, religious persuasions, socioeconomic levels
and educational lines. Below is their snapshot of your typical
compulsive gambler.
Nine
out of 10 problem gamblers are men.
91%
of problem gamblers who paid off their gambling losses continue
to gamble.
17%
attempt suicide.
96%
began gambling before the age of 14.
Three
out of 4 compulsive gamblers commit felonies because of
gambling.
Treatment:
What works? Gamblers Anonymous. Gamblers Anonymous offers
the following questions as self evaluation. These questions
are provided to help the individual decide if he or she
is a compulsive gambler and wants to stop gambling. Most
compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of
these questions.
1. Did you every lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts
or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as
possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and
win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money"
for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of your
family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an
illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create
within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune
by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self destruction as a result
of your gambling?
For
my loyal readers: Bet with your head, not over it. If you
or someone you care about has a gambling problem and wants
help, call GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS.
GAMBLERS
ANONYMOUS is a fellowship of men and women who share their
experience, strength and hope with each other so they may
solve their common problem and help others recover from
a gambling addiction. The only requirement for membership
is a desire to stop gambling. For further information write
or call:
Gamblers Anonymous
International Service Office
P.O. Box 17173
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 386-8789
(213) 386-0030 fax
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org
isomain@gamblersanonymous.org |
No
Eggheads 
Allowed