Gambling as addictive behaviour

Whilst gambling is not a substance addiction as with drugs or alcohol, it is a craving for excitement, the adrenaline producing a ‘high’ that comes from taking risks.

Pathological gambling was first described in DSM III (1980) and retained with substantial modification in DSM III - R (1987).
Maladaptive gambling behaviour is indicated by at least four of the following:

frequent preoccupation with gambling or obtaining money to gamble
often gambles large amounts of money or over a longer period than intended
need to increase the size or frequency of bets to achieve the desired excitement
restlessness or irritability if unable to gamble
repeatedly loses money gambling and returns another day to win back losses (chasing)
repeated efforts to cut down or stop gambling
often gambles when expected to fulfil social, educational or occupational obligations
has given up some important social, occupational or recreational activity in order to gamble
continues to gamble despite inability to pay mounting debts, or despite other significant social, occupational or legal problems that the individual knows to be exacerbated by gambling.

Harmful effects may include aspects of some or all of the following:

individual mental health
relationships, marital and family
financial
employment and productivity
related legal problems/offences

Results may be:

Financial problems such as borrowing and spending large sums of money.
Having insufficient money for the basics of life,
Trouble at work, perhaps due to absenteeism or dishonesty, with possible loss of a job.
Lowering of values: lying, stealing, cheating may replace previously held values.
Related criminal activity.
Loss of interest in relationships, for example family and friends.
Change in personality; preoccupation with gambling.
Worry, guilt and remorse.
Tension and stress, sometimes leading to depression.
As a consequence, relatives (including partner, family children) may suffer tension, stress, anxiety, depression and hardship.

Help available for gamblers

Gamblers Anonymous organise group therapy to help the gambler to overcome or to control his or her addiction. It offers advice, guidance and support.
Gam-Anon provides help and support to families of compulsive gamblers.
Addiction Treatment Centres may provide counselling and treatment for those addicted to gambling.