Compulsive Gambling
Compulsive gamblers have an emotional dependency driving them to gamble. Control is lost, and gambling interferes with normal activity. Perhaps you have left projects unfinished, experienced recurrent or excessive episodes of irritability, and have been unable to concentrate. All these are common results of an obsession with gambling. 

What Are The Issues?
Compulsive gambling is an addictive disorder. Experts speak of it as a "disorder of impulse-control". Compulsive gamblers are unable to control their chronic gambling. An emotional dependency exists. Such gamblers are impulsive, obsessive, and irrational. They will gamble against all odds. For a compulsive gambler to roll the dice, pick a number or play the horses becomes more important than family, home, or work.

Many compulsive gamblers also have problems with alcohol and or other drugs. Problem gamblers are significantly more likely than non-problem gamblers:

• to have felt unhappy, depressed or anxious in the past year;

• to use alcohol or other drugs on a weekly basis;

• to have five or more drinks in a typical day.*

Why Is This Important?
Compulsive gambling harms marriages and family life. The gambler's obsession steals time and attentions away from the gambler's spouse and children. Feeling abandoned, his loved ones experience problems of self-worth and may suffer bouts of depression. The family unit can unravel.

The Addiction Process
People who are becoming compulsive gamblers go through three phases of addiction: Winning, Losing and finally Desperation.

• The Winning Phase: Gamblers win, lose, and break even, often. In this phase, the winning and losing seems an adventure. Gamblers get their "thrills." Excitement predominates. Worries disappear.
• The Losing Phase: Gamblers begin losing more than they win. Self esteem ebbs. The gambler may borrow money to "get even". More time is spent gambling to recover losses and repay loans.
• The Desperation Phase: Gambling becomes a full-time obsession. Life centers around "getting even" and paying off debts, often with borrowed or stolen money. Lies and secret loans multiply and greater risks are taken.

Consider:
Not all people who gamble are addicted. There are some characteristic behaviors that may help you recognize when gambling has become compulsive. Do you:

• lose time from work due to gambling?
• spend a lot of time gambling or thinking about it?
• increase your bets to "catch up"?
• gamble until your last dollar is gone?
• boast about your winnings?
• gamble to feel good?
• lie to conceal gambling?
• keep hidden funds, take out cash advance from credit cards or finance bets through illegal acts?

Recommendation:
Since compulsive gambling is a disorder of impulsive control the recommended way of dealing with it is a process of learning to gain and maintain control. The first step is to recognize the presence of the problems; the next is to find someone able to teach you control. Gamblers Anonymous has been proven to be effective in teaching control. Many who achieve this first step and then contact Gamblers Anonymous enjoy finding that there is always someone there to receive their call and to answer questions. People at Gamblers Anonymous, knowing the compulsive gambler's experience and problems, respond to calls with understanding, respect, and the knowledge that the compulsion to gamble can be overcome.

Taking Control
If you think your gambling or a loved ones gambling has gotten out of control, you have begun the first step toward recovery--recognizing the problem. The Employee Assistance Program may refer you to a professional and help you become involved with Gamblers Anonymous. 

Gamblers Anonymous 
In New York: 
1-800-437-1611
1-800-LASTBET 
In New Jersey: 
1-609-599-3299

For additional information and resources call:
Employee Assistance Program
(914) 423-3277 or 1 (800) 794-EAPS
984 N. Broadway - LL05
Yonkers, New York 10701

*Participating Organizations: Abbott House, Julia Dyckman Andrus Memorial, Leake & Watts, Richmond Children's Center, The Children's Village

*Addictions-Related News from the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Vol. 6, No 1, Spring 1997
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