Post 6

Compulsive Gambling: Isn't It Like Any Other Addiction?

Recently, I had a conversation with a person with a professional background in counseling. She shared that she had counseled problem gamblers and then finished the sentence exclaiming, An addiction is an addiction is an addiction! They are all the same. Believe me, it wasn't the first time I had heard such a pronouncement.

Interestingly, this will be a featured topic in our upcoming Gambling Recovery Ministries' newsletter, the grm Resource Center. For a sneak peak, I am including a few details that will be discussed in distinguishing compulsive gambling from substance abuse and chemical dependency. Keep in mind that problem gambling and other addictive behaviors can intermingle, possibly blunting the uniqueness of compulsive gambling.

• While there is loss of control in all addictions, compulsive gambling is not self-limiting. It is not expected that excessive gambling would lead to intoxicated stupors.
• Gambling is easier to hide: no track marks, alcohol on the breath, etc.
• Children have a more difficult time understanding the compulsive gambling illness of their parents
• The intensity of family anger is stronger with multiple secrecy issues associated with the gambler's misuse of money
• There is less public awareness and acceptance of compulsive gambling as an illness

For these distinguishing differences and others, compulsive gambling is often considered less as a mental health issue - and more as an individual's moral weakness and problem. Unfortunately, when problem gambling is viewed only as a personal moral failing, treatment and support group therapy may not be regarded as viable options for the problem gambler's recovery. And that presents yet another difference between compulsive gambling and chemical dependency!
For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit http://www.grmumc.org/

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Director, Gambling Recovery Ministries