PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLING

 What are its main features?

 Although each person is different, most people with pathological gambling have some or all of the following characteristics:

• Preoccupation with gambling;

• Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money;

• Difficulty controlling or stopping gambling behavior;

• Returning to the place where they lost their money to recoup losses.

Some people gamble to escape from problems or to relieve depression, some because of the excitement. Whatever the reasons for gambling, pathological gamblers frequently end up having to lie to people they care for about how much they gamble or the consequences of their gambling. It is not unusual for them to engage in fraud or other criminal activities to obtain the money they need to gamble.

 What are the consequences of pathological gambling?

 Pathological gambling is not only associated with important money losses, but with a progressive disruption of the individual’s life and, in many cases, of the lives of the people close to him. Many pathological gamblers lose their jobs and have increased emotional and medical problems. These serious personal and social problems, including financial, legal, occupational, medical and psychological difficulties, result in important costs to the individual, the family and society.

 What are the treatment options for pathological gambling?

 Although there is no consensus about the best treatment for pathological gambling, numerous studies point to a wide range of potentially effective approaches such as medication, psychotherapy and self-help groups like Gamblers Anonymous. Studying the effectiveness of these and other treatment options is urgently needed in order to be able to help those who suffer from pathological gambling.

 CLICK HERE for Pathological Gambling Research Program 

 CLICK HERE for a case description of Pathological Gambling