Last updated: 04/1/2019
Author: Addictions.com Medical Review

Reading Time: 3minutes

Compulsive, also called problem, gambling may be a different disorder entirely from pathological gambling. Depending on your habits, you may be able to tell if you are a compulsive or a pathological gambler and where you should go to find help.

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A compulsive gambler is not thinking about whether his or her family has a roof over their head, or food on the table. Active gamblers are consumed with placing the next bet, and they don’t care where the money comes from. That may sound harsh, but it is the truth. The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700). The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem.

Compulsive Vs. Pathological Gambling

Problem or compulsive gamblers are individuals whose betting activities have become controversial, perhaps even dangerous. Their habits have likely led them to making mistakes, whether it is forgetting to pick up their children or taking care of something at home, calling into work so often their boss notices, or spending money meant for other things on wagering. However, they may be able to cut back on these activities if they realize the damage it is causing in their life.

The GA concept is that the compulsive gambler is a very sick person who can recover by following a very simple programme, to the best of his or her own ability that has proved successful for thousands of other men and women with a similar problem. If you are not sure whether you are a compulsive gambler, try answering the 20-questions.

According to the National Library of Medicine, “Pathological gambling is being unable to resist impulses to gamble, which can lead to severe personal or social consequences.” This also causes many issues in the individual’s life, but unlike the former disorder, pathological gamblers cannot stop these dangerous habits, even if they try. They will need serious professional help in order to do so, and they may need to stop gambling and cease any other activities related to it in order to avoid any issues in the future.

Which Type of Gambler Am I?

A gambling problem can lead to financial issues and even bankruptcy.

Ask yourself the questions below. Make sure to answer truthfully in order to find out which disorder is more likely associated with your behavior and how serious your problematic wagering has become.

• Do you ever lie to others when you are going out to gamble?
• Would you always prefer to be betting, wagering, or playing instead of doing something else?
• Do you sometime feel bad after wagering too much or losing money?
• Do you ever use money meant for other things when you place bets?

If you answered yes to these questions, you may be a problem or compulsive gambler. You will likely be able to cut back on your habit with the help of your loved ones. However, it is also important to ask yourself the questions below as well:

• Do you feel restless, sad, anxious, or irritable when trying to cut back?
• Have these feelings caused you to go back to gambling?
• Have you ever committed a crime to get more betting money?
• Do you engage in these activities to escape your problems or the negative feelings you experience?
• Do you bet large sums of money to try and “make up” for past losses?
• Have you ever lost a job, relationship, education, or another important opportunity in the past due to this habit?
• Are you constantly preoccupied with how to make more money or win back your loses?
• Have you tried to quit or cut back more than twice and not succeeded?
• Do the other people in your life refuse to give you money?

If you answered yes to these questions, it is likely that you have an addiction and have become a pathological gambler. You will need professional addiction treatment in order to stop.

Compulsive gambling or gambling addiction is a serious psychological problem that has terrible consequences for a compulsive gambler and those closest to them. This is compulsive and uncontrollable behaviour which compels someone to play and bet impulsively, without getting any pleasure from this activity. The addict does not enjoy gambling but merely needs to relieve their own pain or personal dissatisfaction. This OneHowTo article will give you some tips on how to help a compulsive gambler.

Compulsive Gambler Wiki

Compulsive Gambler Characters

The role of their family or those closest to them is crucial for helping those who suffer from this disorder. Whatever the degree of deterioration as a result of gambling, if the compulsive gambler is fortunate to have a partner, family or friends on hand who are determined and won't desert them, then this will be the key to overcoming this problem. With your help and motivation, a gambler may overcome their addiction over time.

When a family confronts a gambling addict, they may not acknowledge they have a problem or simply do not want to access any treatment. Firstly, the family must not deny that a problem exists or feel afraid or embarrassed about others' opinions. One really important thing is to prevent the addiction from developing into something serious.

Without the family's help and persistence, a compulsive gambler will not take steps to join a rehabilitation programme. With patience and suggestions from those surrounding them, an addict will gradually accept that treatment is necessary, and will start it of their own accord. In order to get a gambler to accept they have a problem, family and friends must be patient and consistent for them to start any therapy. Once in treatment, those surrounding an addict will help to achieve this purpose, by helping them to reorganise their life and find a healthy balance. This process can be lengthy, but it is possible to achieve and return to living a normal life. The family is the best self-help group.

Family or close friends need to do several things to help a gambling addict recover. It is crucial to understand that gambling is an illness and not a vice. You should treat a gambling addict as someone suffering from an illness who needs you and always treat them with respect and empathy. It is very important that everyone around an addict is united in facing the rehabilitation process.

A positive attitude when facing the problem is really beneficial for helping a compulsive gambler with their recovery. You must make them see that they can overcome addiction like other people and always deal with the issue calmly. It is worth getting to know and detect the behaviour of a compulsive gambler to understand what the symptoms of their illness are. Do not reprimand them for all the negative consequences caused by their addiction. Remember that this is an uncontrollable illness, and will not help the entire recovery process. Above all, let them see you're with them, that they have your support and you believe they can overcome their addiction to gambling.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

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