Compulsive versus Pathelogical Gambling (1)

There is apparently a difference between compulsive gambling and pathological gambling according to the medical profession and the proliferation of gambling opportunities particularly at online bookmakers is being blamed for more problem gamblers. It is not believed that the percentage of problem gamblers versus recreational gamblers is increasing but, by definition, the pure fact that more people are gambling means that there will be more gamblers with a problem. The definition of compulsive gambling is the urge to gamble and inability to limit the amount of time or money spent despite having a desire to stop. Pathological gambling is actually more severe and is diagnosed as an impulse control disorder that is a chronic and progressive mental illness. If you are reading this article you are unlikely to have either as you would not have time or interest in doing so but if you know of anyone who has several of the following symptoms you should encourage them to seek help; preoccupation with gambling; chasing your losses; committing illegal acts to fund gambling; asking for loans to fund gambling; withdrawal symptoms when stopping gambling even for short periods; loss of control; lack of tolerance; escaping from reality.

It is of course true that it is easier to gamble these days and you can do it from the comfort of your own home which we see as benefit but if somebody has a weakness for gambling there have always been opportunities to do so and we could suggest that online casinos are in fact a better option as the punter has the ability to place limits on himself/herself in terms of how much can be deposited within any given time frame which is not available at a live casino.

Psychotherapists who work with compulsive gamblers see it as an addiction as it carries so many similarities with drug or alcohol dependence including withdrawal symptoms  but what causes some to get it and others not? We shall delve deeper tomorrow.