Stages of Gambling Addiction

Compulsive gambling, also known as gambling addiction, has many of the same indicators, behaviors and consequences associated with other addictions – drug, alcohol, etc. Gambling addicts have been found in casinos, at racetracks, in neighborhood poker games (and anywhere one can place a bet) for many centuries.  Compulsive gambling has been on the rise (at a fast clip) for the past decade or so, mostly due to the introduction of online gambling. 

There are hundreds of websites that will allow you to gamble via credit card, debit card or direct deposit.  In a sense, online gambling represents the 'perfect storm' for addicts – bringing the gaming right into their homes or offices, the addict can gamble around the clock without leaving his computer chair.  They can "charge" their losses, which makes it easier to avoid the immediate sting of losing large sums of money. Since the money never touches the gambler's hands, it is easy to ignore reality – they may be losing a great deal of money and in addition they now have to pay interest on those losses.

The largest bump in online addicts has been seen among young adults;  ages 17 – 25. The national obsession with "seven-card hold 'em" (a form of poker) has brought this group to the internet in droves. Yes, most sites say you must be 18 or 21 to gamble; but nothing is done to verify gamblers are "of age".

Are you addicted?

If your gambling has lead to broken relationships, irresponsibility towards job and family obligations and you find yourself in or on the brink of financial disaster, chances are good that you are a gambling addict. Compulsive gamblers (like any addict) find it impossible to change their destructive habits, no matter how many times they vow to and regardless of the harshness of consequences they suffer. 
Problem gamblers, though exhibiting many of the same behaviors might be classified in one of two groups:

• One group is addicted to the thrill of risk-taking.  The acting of gambling alone is the drug.  This group often gambles with others because part of the high they experience is based on beating other players or the "house". This group usually likes games that include a level of skill – so they can test themselves – including cards and betting on sports. Some thrill-seekers are gainfully employed where they "gamble" for a living – in the stock and commodities markets.
• Another group uses gambling to "numb out" - This group includes those running from their unpleasant emotions, i.e. depression, loneliness.  They are not looking for the "rush", they want to check-out of the world via gambling and feel nothing. These gamblers often prefer to remain isolated and cling to games like slot machines and online gaming. They aren't looking for games that require skill and, therefore, thought – they want to avoid thinking as much as possible.

Gambling addiction frequently progresses through several stages

Virtually every compulsive gambler starts in the Winning Stage: The first signs of addiction often follow a gambler's big win.  Winning big is exciting and leaves the gambler with positive feelings about gaming.  Often, their thinking is not entirely rational; they may think they have special skills that will keep them on the winning track always.  Winning prompts them to spend more and more money as they pursue the next win.

Just as certain as night follows day, eventually the gambler will enter the Losing Stage.  Consumed by the desire to recoup their losses, they become obsessed.  Earlier habits may change; they might start gambling alone and miss work or school regularly.  Relationships suffer as the gambler defaults on debts and lies to family and friends.

As their losses and problems mount, gambling addicts lose all control over their gambling as they enter the End Stages of Addiction.  Everything gets worse; they feel shame and guilt, yet they continue to gamble.  At this late stage, addicts may lie, cheat or steal to finance their compulsion. The consequences continue to worsen – they may be arrested, lose their jobs and marriages.

The Final Stage is one of Hopelessness

This is the time when the addict hits rock bottom. They feel completely isolated from everyone and do not believe that help is available.  Sometimes, as hopelessness increases, the gambler is uncertain about whether they want to continue living.  The gambling addiction may now lead to alcohol and drug abuse – to escape.  Unfortunately, at this late stage, problem gamblers may consider or attempt suicide.

As with many addictions, sometimes recovery is only possible once the gambler hits hard rock bottom. At this point they may become willing to acknowledge their problem and to ask for help.  Treatment centers, addiction therapy and Gambler's Anonymous have all provided millions of addicts a way to begin recovery.  Little can be done, however, if the addict does not admit powerlessness and ask for help.