Pathological (or compulsive) gambling has often been thought of as immoral, decadent, criminal, insane, weak-willed, and irresponsible behavior. Today most authorities and several agencies are teaching a different view of this problem. Gambling is now considered a pathological addictive disorder, similar to addiction to alcohol and other drugs. ⁱ

Problem and pathological gambling are now medically recognized diagnoses. The DSM-IVⁱⁱ considers these behaviors in making a diagnosis of problem or pathological gambling:

1. is preoccupied with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble)

2. needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement

3. has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling

4. is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling

5. gambles as a way for escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.d., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)

6. after losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (chasing one's losses)

7. lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling

8. has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling

9. has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling

10. relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

If fewer than five of the above behaviors are present, the diagnosis is Problem Gambling. If five or more are present, the diagnosis is Pathological Gambling.

How many people have a problem with gambling? Measurement of the incidence of problem and pathological gambling is not an easy task due to underreporting. In 1999 the Commission estimated the national incidence of Pathological Gambling at 1.6% of adults and Problem Gambling at 3.85% of adults.

• Men are more likely to be Pathological Gamblers
• African Americans and Native Americans are both at increased risk for Problem and Pathological Gambling.
• The young, less educated and poor are more likely to have problems than are those above age 65, college graduates or those living in households with incomes above $100,000 per year.

It is clear that pathological and problem gamblers are found in every demographic group, from college students to the elderly, housewives to professionals, solid citizens to prison inmates. One of the most troubling aspects of problem and pathological gambling is its prevalence among youth and adolescents.-- National Gambling Impact Study

Adolescents are at particular risk of developing problems with gambling. Adolescent and pathological gambling combined is estimated to range from 11.3% to 27.7%, with a median of 20%. Estimates of adolescent pathological and problem gambling range between 7.7% and 34.9%, with a median of 11.2%. ⁱⁱⁱ

Adolescents can develop problems with gambling as a result of their normal stage of neurodevelopment. Impulse control in adolescents is not fully developed neurologically their brain development is still incomplete (until about age 25) and this incomplete impulse control leads to impaired decision making. For more information on the causes and seek for cures, click here.

The Addiction Theory of Problem and Pathological Gambling.

It may seem surprising to think of problem gambling as an addictive behavior. Here's the thinking on this new field of research. Addiction has to do with a change in relationship between an individual and the object of their addiction, for example, an activity such as drug use, smoking, excessive sex & gambling. According to Dr. Howard J. Shaffer of Harvard Medical School, Division on Addictions, "Addiction represents an intemperate relationship with an activity that has adverse biological, social, or psychological consequences for the person engaging in these behaviors. It is a change in behavior patterns in which things that once had priority become less important and less frequent behaviors become dominant. When considered from this viewpoint, Problem and Pathological gambling fit with the description of addictive behavior: the individual pours more and more thought, time, money into gambling to the detriment of other relationships and activities that previously held priority - jobs, family, school work, friendships."

To help understand when an addiction exists, the following behavioral model can be applied:

• Behavior that can be described as motivated by cravings- compulsions
• Behavior that is continued in spite of adverse consequences, and
• Behavior that is out of Control

Shaffer, Howard, J. What is Addiction? A Perspective. Harvard Medical School Division on Addictions. http://www.divisiononaddictions.org/html/whatisaddiction.htm

ⁱ Gowan, W.D., Early Signs of Compulsive Gambling. 1986. Hazelden Foundation. Pleasant Valley Road, P.O. Box 176, Center City, MN 55012-0176. Publication No. 5587. www.hazelden.org
ⁱⁱ Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition. DSM-IV. 3112.31 Pathological Gambling. American Psychiatric Association.
ⁱⁱⁱ National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report, 1999. p 4-13