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To the compulsive, gambling offers an easy
solution to some of life's most pressing
problems: insufficient money, little prestige or
self esteem, feelings of boredom or failure,
hopelessness and defeat. At the center of the
disease is a certainty that the gambler must
lose. With continued losses, there is an
increase of those very problems which led to
gambling in the beginning. This increases the
pressures (and the stakes) so that the gambling
continues more heavily and more frequently. To
the compulsive gambler, the need to bet becomes
the primary thought in his or her life.
The Progression
Compulsive gambling has three phases:
The Winning Phase (Search for Action). Wins
enhance self-esteem and ego. Losses are
rationalized as bad luck, or poor advice. The
gambler will frequently describe "The Big Win."
The Losing Phase (The Chase). As losses increase
and self-esteem is jeopardized, the gambler will
borrow money to "get even", hiding losses and
borrowing even more. Lies, loan fraud,
absenteeism, family disputes and job changes are
common danger signals.
The Desperation Phase. The gambler becomes
obsessed with covering stolen money, withdrawals
from family bank accounts, and secret loans. He
or she panics at the thought that the gambling
action will end if the credit or bailouts stop.
The gambler will often turn to illegal
activities to support the addiction. He or she
can experience severe mood swings. Suicide may
be contemplated as a way out.
Performance Signs of Compulsive Gambling May
Include:
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