THE PUREST ADDICTION (Post 105)
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018
Post 105
THE PUREST ADDICTION
Recently, I received a “Class Project” report from one of our candidates for the International Board’s Clergy/Lay Minister Certification in Gambling Addiction Prevention, Education, Awareness and Spiritual Outreach Care. The packet contained an interesting description of a special program presented to faith leaders about compulsive gambling and recovery, complete with narrative, promotional material, and PowerPoint handout. Within the PowerPoint, a term caught my eye … the purest addiction is disordered gambling. Why purest? Simply put, the gambling itself produces the dopamine chemical response – without any substance (drugs, alcohol, tobacco, food) ingested. Of course, I knew this; but such a point-blank statement caused me to rethink the uniqueness of compulsive gambling as an addiction compared to other forms of addiction … hence the topic of this month’s GRM Blog.
To begin, let’s take a look at all of the characteristics that disordered gambling shares with other addictions to classify them as addictive behaviors. Preoccupation occurs: thoughts about and planning to imbibe predominate over ordinary thinking patterns. Loss of control is more likely than not. A tolerance develops so that the person needs more of the substance/activity to achieve the same effect; and there’s a chasing of the first high/win. When the person cuts back or abstains, withdrawal symptoms take place; but immediate gratification is felt when using to relieve withdrawal symptoms. There is a use of rituals associated with the behavior, also.
Then too, other factors develop in association with addiction, in general. There is a loss of spirituality as well as life management skills. The individual continues to use regardless of the consequences. As a result, family/friends/associates are chronically impacted. Moreover, treatment and support groups can be of tremendous help in attaining (and maintaining) recovery.
On the flip side, with a focus on disordered gambling (compulsive gambling, gambling addiction, problem gambling), we see a distinct form of addiction. Let’s remember, also, that the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) designates compulsive gambling as an addiction – the only addiction not dependent on ingesting/inhaling a substance. What unique characteristics of disordered gambling, then contribute to the development of an addiction minus co-morbid substance abuse behavior? Obviously, winning (not just money) results in gain, usually a desired attainment. It feels good to win! There’s a rush of excitement … a turn of good luck. The brain remembers! If the opportunity to possibly win presents itself soon, the brain recalls those feelings. The outcome is unpredictable but there’s always a chance – especially (one may think) if it’s a near-win. Thus the near encourages predictability (a false sense of) and, therefore, increased excitement. Subsequently, fantasies of success in winning impact the person to continue the gambling.
Also, gambling – compared to substance abuse - is not self-limiting. Gambling, by itself, does not cause intoxication. No diagnostic medical test can detect pathological gambling. The gambler is not obviously impaired - in turn setting up more time devoted to gamble. Then too, without overt indications of addiction, the compulsive gambler can take on an appearance of normalcy and sharp-mindedness. Only as the individual sinks deeper into addiction will loved ones and associates begin to notice certain behaviors indicating withdrawal, etc.
With few or no outward hints of addictive behavior, the gambler with his/her secret addiction will become adept at hiding evidences of mounting unpaid bills and time lost in legitimate activity. For the gambler, there tends to be greater denial, stronger defenses, and much higher amounts of financial difficulties.
Furthermore, the swiftness of addiction-progression uniquely marks disordered gambling. Many gambling venues offer multiple and/or instant winning possibilities, thus commonly creating situations to gamble repeatedly in a short amount of time. Often with such quick progression, the reality of addiction is baffling to the gambler – and to the loved ones, as well.
Finally, from the viewpoint of the gambler’s loved ones, a single question of the 20 Questions Is There a Gambling Problem in Your Family? stands out as unique to those impacted by compulsive gambling. Pointedly, this question – so characteristic of disordered gambling – does not describe other addictions: Does this person ever gamble to get money to solve financial difficulties or have unrealistic expectations that gambling will bring the family material comfort and wealth? (Gam-Anon International Service Office)
With all of this said, however, it is important to note that, definitely, there are established co-morbid behaviors associated with gambling and substance abuse. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. cites that smoking is a powerful reinforcement for the trance-inducing rituals associated with gambling (Harper, 2003). Additionally, it is known that some gamblers use cocaine to keep themselves awake and alert in order to gamble for multi-hour mega-stretches. Then too, excess alcohol usage can lower gamblers’ inhibitions while gambling.
Though gambling addiction can have devastating effects on both individuals and loved ones – and is commonly misunderstood by the public – there is both help and hope. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (or check the websites below) for treatment; and/or for recovery help and support call Gamblers Anonymous 1-626-960-3501 or Gam-Anon 1-718-352-1671.
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs, CCGSO
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
www.grmumc.org
For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit: