Help With Gambling

Compulsive gamblers fall into two main types – action and escape gamblers. Both suffer at the core from low self-esteem. However, action gamblers outwardly tend to appear egotistical, controlling, successful, and outgoing. They gamble primarily because they believe they can become skillful enough to beat the odds. Escape gamblers differ primarily in that they often gamble to escape from problems, feeling they can free themselves from pain while gambling.

THE FOUR PHASES

Gamblers who experience difficulties often go through a series of cycles, or stages, before they reach the point at which they feel helpless. While some compulsive gamblers will skip a stage, the following four phases are fairly common among this population.

The Winning Phase - In the beginning, the compulsive gambler often experiences a “big win,” which results in more frequent gambling and increased wagers. This tends to enhance self-image, and the gambler begins to fantasize about winning and the wonderful and exciting future this will bring about. Unreasonable optimism develops.

Note: Some gamblers never experience this phase and skip to the following stages of progression.

The Losing Phase - During this period, the compulsive gambler thinks only about gambling. Personality changes begin to develop. Lies, borrowing money, and cover-ups are common. The gambler can no longer control the gambling, and relationships with family, friends, and employers deteriorate.

The Desperation Phase - The gambler can no longer pay debts and looks for bailouts that could be legal or illegal. These actions are rationalized as a means of getting even or recovering their losses. As the “chase” continues, the gambler panics at the prospect that the action will stop. During this time, the gambler clings to the belief that a winning streak, which will solve all their problems, is just around the corner. There are increasing signs of depression, irritability, and thoughts of suicide may be present.

The Hopeless Phase - At this point, serious consequences begin to occur, which may seem irreversible, such as arrests, divorce, alcohol or other substance abuse problems, emotional breakdowns, and serious withdrawal symptoms. The gambler realizes that getting even or catching up is not possible, but no longer cares. Approximately 20% of the time, this type of despair may lead the gambler to attempt suicide.

WARNING SIGNS

To learn whether you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties due to gambling, answer the questions below. The first section is for the gambler and the latter for family members, friends, or persons other than the gambler.