Gambling Anonymous For Family Members

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This family member might be worried that the other can’t handle the task, and this person wants the laundry to be clean, so outsiders don’t see evidence of addiction. It’s a subtle shift, but it can have dangerous consequences. After all, when a family becomes efficient at enabling, that family makes an addiction easier to maintain. All meetings are open to anyone who is affected by the gambling problem of a family member, loved one or friend. Meetings that are noted as 'combined GA/Gam-Anon' are meetings in which the members of both Gam-Anon and Gamblers Anonymous have joined together to create one meeting.

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a twelve-step program for people who have a gambling problem. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling.

  • 4Criticism

History[edit]

The organization began in Los Angeles on September 13, 1957. By 2005 there were over 1000 GA groups in the United States, and groups had been established in Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Kenya, Uganda, Korea, Japan and many other locations throughout the world.[1]

Incidence rate and evaluation[edit]

Problem gambling is estimated to occur in 1.6% of the adult population in the United States.[2] GA has a list of twenty questions that can be used to self-diagnose compulsive gambling. The results from their instrument have correlated strongly with other tests that screen for compulsive gambling (e.g. the Total Sensation Seeking Scale, Boredom Susceptibility, Experience Seeking, South Oaks Gambling Screen, and Disinhibition subscales).[3][4]

Anonymous

Effectiveness[edit]

Compared to problem gamblers who do not attend GA, GA members tend to have more severe gambling problems, are older, have higher incomes, are less likely to be single, have more years of gambling problems, have larger debts, have more serious family conflicts, and less serious substance abuse problems.[2] GA may not be as effective for those who have not had significant gambling problems. GA is effective to prevent 'relapses' (inability to remain abstinent from gambling), but not as effective when helping members deal with the consequences of their relapse.[5]

GA spends much of its time and energy counseling members on how to deal with financial and legal problems. GA supports 'pressure relief groups' where members take each other to task and encourage them to 'get honest' with people in their lives and get their affairs in order. Gamblers who are able to moderate their activity are not likely to continue attending GA meetings. GA members who stopped attending meetings were more likely to consider the sharing at the meetings 'meaningless' and were more critical of GA literature. Those who felt particularly elated at their first GA meetings were less likely to continue than those who had a more balanced first impression. GA, therefore, may be most suitable for severe problem gamblers who do not have compounding issues.[6]

Criticism[edit]

Attrition[edit]

Gamblers Anonymous Meetings For Family Members

Less than 8% of those who initially attend GA remain in the program and abstinent from gambling for over a year.[7] Program participation and abstinence increase if members are involved in additional therapy, or if one or more of their family members are involved in Gam-Anon or Gam-A-Teen.[8][9][10]

Gender bias[edit]

Although the likelihood of attending GA is the same for males and females,[11] GA has been characterized as a predominately male fellowship. The number of female members, however, is increasing and there is an increasing sensitivity within GA to women's attitudes.[6] GA's lack of appeal towards females has been attributed to GA's lack of focus on the principles of spirituality in other twelve-step programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A causal link, however, has not been shown. GA is often described as more secularized than AA.[12]

Among problem gamblers, it has been found that women are more focused on interpersonal issues, and that social issues were more likely to cause them to 'relapse.' Males more frequently discuss 'external concerns' such as jobs and legal problems, and are more likely to relapse because of substance abuse. Therefore, it does seem plausible that GA's downplaying of spiritual, interpersonal, and psychoemotional issues, inhibits its effectiveness for women.[6][13]

Literature[edit]

Gamblers Anonymous has several approved books used as standard literature in the group. These are some of the most popular examples:

  • Gamblers Anonymous (1984). Sharing recovery through Gamblers Anonymous. Los Angeles: Gamblers Anonymous. ISBN0-917839-00-5. OCLC11614655.
  • Gamblers Anonymous (1989). A New Beginning. Los Angeles, California: Gamblers Anonymous. OCLC21416926.
  • Gamblers Anonymous (1994). One day at a time.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^Petry, Nancy M. (March 2005). 'Gamblers Anonymous and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies for Pathological Gamblers'. Journal of Gambling Studies. 21 (1): 27–33. doi:10.1007/s10899-004-1919-5. ISSN1573-3602. PMID15789187.
  2. ^ abPetry, Nancy M. (August 2003). 'Patterns and correlates of Gamblers Anonymous attendance in pathological gamblers seeking professional treatment'. Addictive Behaviors. 28 (6): 1049–1062. doi:10.1016/S0306-4603(02)00233-2. ISSN0306-4603. PMID12834650.
  3. ^Kuley, Nadia B.; Jacobs, Durand F. (September 1988). 'The relationship between dissociative-like experiences and sensation seeking among social and problem gamblers'. Journal of Gambling Studies. 4 (3): 197–207. doi:10.1007/BF01018332. ISSN1050-5350.
  4. ^Ursua, Maria Prieto; Uribelarrea, Luis Llavona (March 1998). '20 Questions of Gamblers Anonymous: A Psychometric Study with Population of Spain'. Journal of Gambling Studies. 14 (1): 3–15. doi:10.1023/A:1023033924960. ISSN1050-5350. PMID12766432.
  5. ^Brown, R.I.F. (September 1987). 'Dropouts and continuers in Gamblers Anonymous: Part four. Evaluation and summary'. Journal of Gambling Studies. 3 (3): 202–210. doi:10.1007/BF01367441. ISSN1050-5350.
  6. ^ abcFerentzy, Peter; Skinner, Wayne (2003). 'Gamblers Anonymous: A critical review of the literature'. Journal of Gambling Issues. 9. doi:10.4309/jgi.2003.9.9.
  7. ^Stewart, RM; Brown, RI (February 1988). 'An outcome study of Gamblers Anonymous'. The British Journal of Psychiatry. 152 (2): 284–288. doi:10.1192/bjp.152.2.284. ISSN0007-1250. PMID3167353.
  8. ^Petry, Nancy M.; Armentano, Christopher (1 August 1999). 'Prevalence, Assessment, and Treatment of Pathological Gambling: A Review'. Psychiatric Services. 50 (8): 1021–1027. doi:10.1176/ps.50.8.1021. ISSN1075-2730. PMID10445649.
  9. ^Johnson, EE; Nora, RM (December 1992). 'Does spousal participation in Gamblers Anonymous benefit compulsive gamblers?'. Psychological Reports. 71 (3 Pt 1): 914. ISSN0033-2941. PMID1454942.
  10. ^Ciarrocchi, Joseph W.; Reinert, Duane F. (December 1993). 'Family environment and length of recovery for married male members of Gamblers Anonymous and female members of GamAnon'. Journal of Gambling Studies. 9 (4): 341–352. doi:10.1007/BF01014626. ISSN1050-5350.
  11. ^Crisp, Beth R.; Thomas, Shane A.; Jackson, Alun C.; Thomason, Neil; Smith, Serena; Borrell, Jennifer; Ho, Wei-ying; Holt, Tangerine A. (1 March 2000). 'Sex Differences in the Treatment Needs and Outcomes of Problem Gamblers'(abstract page). Research on Social Work Practice. 10 (2): 229–242.
  12. ^Browne, Basil R. (September 1994). 'Really not god: Secularization and pragmatism in Gamblers Anonymous'. Journal of Gambling Studies. 10 (3): 247–260. doi:10.1007/BF02104966. ISSN1050-5350. PMID24234922.
  13. ^Preston, Frederick W.; Smith, Ronald W. (September 1985). 'Delabeling and relabeling in Gamblers Anonymous: Problems with transferring the Alcoholics Anonymous paradigm'. Journal of Gambling Studies. 1 (2): 97–105. doi:10.1007/BF01019862. ISSN1050-5350.

Further reading[edit]

  • Campbell, F., & Lester, D. (1999). The impact of gambling opportunities on compulsive gambling: Journal of Social Psychology Vol 139(1) Feb 1999, 126-127.
  • Cunningham, J. A. (2005). Little Use of Treatment Among Problem Gamblers: Psychiatric Services Vol 56(8) Aug 2005, 1024-1025.
  • Ferentzy, P., Skinner, W., & Antze, P. (2006). Recovery in Gamblers Anonymous: Journal of Gambling Issues No 17 Aug 2006, No Pagination Specified.
  • Getty, H. A., Watson, J., & Frisch, G. R. (2000). A comparison of depression and styles of coping in male and female GA members and controls: Journal of Gambling Studies Vol 16(4) Win 2000, 377-391.
  • Lesieur, Henty R.; Rothschild, Jerome (December 1989). 'Children of Gamblers Anonymous members'. Journal of Gambling Studies. 5 (4): 269–281. doi:10.1007/BF01672428. ISSN1573-3602.
  • Petry, N. M. (March 2002). 'Psychosocial treatments for pathological gambling: Current status and future directions'. Psychiatric Annals. 32 (3): 192–196. doi:10.3928/0048-5713-20020301-09.Adesso, V. J. (May 1995). 'Diversity Confronts the Monolith'. PsycCRITIQUES. 40 (5). doi:10.1037/003640.
  • Petry, N. M. (August 2003). 'Patterns and correlates of gamblers anonymous attendance in pathological seeking professional treatment'. Addictive Behaviors. 28 (6): 1049–1062. doi:10.1016/S0306-4603(02)00233-2. PMID12834650.
  • Petry, N. M. (Spring 2005). 'Gamblers Anonymous and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies for Pathological Gamblers'. Journal of Gambling Studies. 21 (1): 27–33. doi:10.1007/s10899-004-1919-5. PMID15789187.
  • Petry, N. M.; Litt, M. D.; Kadden, R.; Ledgerwood, D. M. (August 2007). 'Do coping skills mediate the relationship between cognitive-behavioral therapy and reductions in gambling in pathological gamblers?'. Addiction. 102 (8): 1280–1291. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2007.01907.x. PMID17624978.
  • Rossol, J. (2001). 'The medicalization of deviance as an interactive achievement: The construction of compulsive gambling'. Symbolic Interaction. 24 (3): 315–341. doi:10.1525/si.2001.24.3.315.

External links[edit]

Anonymous Member List

  • Works by or about Gamblers Anonymous in libraries (WorldCat catalog)
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gamblers_Anonymous&oldid=926619767'

Many people can enjoy gambling without it becoming a problem, but over time, some people develop a gambling addiction that can ruin their lives. Compulsive gambling is a progressive illness, so even if you’ve gambled before and been okay, a problem could develop later on. The urge to gamble can be overwhelming, leading someone to lie, steal, blow through their savings and miss out on the rest of their lives. Several signs indicate when normal enjoyment of gambling transitions into a problem. The earlier the process is identified, the better the chances for a successful recovery. Although compulsive gambling is hard to overcome, many people are able to manage their illness with professional help.

Understanding a Gambling Compulsion

Gamblers Anonymous For Spouse

A gambling compulsion can begin the first time someone places a bet, or it could gradually progress into an addiction over time. According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, how long it takes someone to develop a problem varies by the individual, though compulsions tend develop more quickly in people who engage in continuous forms of gambling, such as online betting or using slot machines. Some gamblers find themselves showing symptoms of a compulsion in less than a year when doing this type of gambling. People who bet on horse races or play card games that allow for natural breaks in play might not develop a gambling problem until they’ve been gambling for a lot longer.

How to Diagnose Compulsive Gambling

Experts don’t know specifically what leads to compulsive gambling. Many factors could contribute to the problem, such as hereditary or environmental factors. Diagnosing a gambling problem involves looking for signs someone is out of control. Possible signs of a gambling problem include:

  • Spending more money on gambling than one can afford
  • Difficulties in personal relationships caused by gambling
  • Gambling getting in the way of work
  • An inability to cut back or stop gambling
  • Spending more time gambling than before
  • Attempting to hide gambling from friends or medical professionals
  • Stealing or committing fraud to support gambling
  • Asking for loans to cover gambling debts

How to Recognize an Addictive Gambler

Although compulsive gamblers often share the trait of low self-esteem, two main types of compulsive gamblers are common: escape gamblers and actions gamblers. Recognizing a compulsive gambler is easier if you know the characteristics of each type. An action gambler is someone who likes to play games involving skill and beating the odds. Poker is an example of an action game. These types of gamblers are often extroverted, self-confident and even arrogant. An escape gambler views gambling as a form of escapism, seeing it as a distraction from real life. These gamblers can appear withdrawn, unhappy or introverted.

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs indicate compulsive gamblers approach gambling as a means to escape problems or feelings, such as depression, guilt or helplessness. Some other ways to recognize a compulsive gambler include looking for signs of:

  • A preoccupation with gambling
  • Gradually taking more risks
  • Reliving memories of gambling
  • Guilt or remorse following gambling
  • Taking time off work to gamble

Steps You Can Take to Help Someone With a Gambling Problem

If you suspect someone you know has a gambling problem, ways to help are available; however, the most important thing you can do is to encourage them to get help from a professional. We can assist you in finding help for a loved if you call . It’s important to remember that even though a person’s gambling has affected you to the point where you’re ready for them to change, they might not be ready yet. You can offer support and seek professional help with how to proceed, but you can’t make someone ready to change.

Talking to Someone With Gambling Problems

Although it can be challenging to confront someone about a gambling problem, the best thing you can do is to start by asking someone if the problem exists, according to the Victoria State Government. Although you might not get a straight answer and you won’t know how someone will react, if you approach someone in a non-confrontational way, you might get some useful information.

When talking to someone with a gambling problem, remember that if you want someone to be honest with you, be honest yourself. Letting someone know you suspect a problem and are worried, in a supportive and concerned manner, is more likely to work than being deceptive, judgmental or aggressive. Talk about how you’re feeling and what you’ve observed as these things are less likely to trigger an argument. Some people with gambling problems will be relieved and grateful the subject was broached, as they want to talk about it. Other people might not want to talk because they’re ashamed and could become defensive. If a person lies about having a problem, you can still say you care about your loved one and give them information on where to get help.

If a discussion about gambling becomes circular or confrontational, take a break and pick up the subject later. Always keep the lines of communication open.

Adolescents and Teens

Adolescents and teens are at risk for developing a gambling problem. Compulsive gambling generally starts when someone is in their late teens. Occasionally, people even become addicted the first time they gamble. Other times, the problem starts in the teen years and progresses as people’s lives become more stressful. Teens can gamble casually, but times of stress or depression might trigger overwhelming gambling urges.

Learning to Cope With a Gambling Addiction

Learning to cope with a gambling addiction can be challenging because at one time gambling might not have been an addiction for you. Gambling is also everywhere, readily available to suck you back in. Having a sponsor or designated person to help you resist the desire to gamble again might be particularly useful. Some things you can tell yourself to avoid a relapse and stay focused on recovery include:

  • Even one bet can trigger a relapse
  • It’s okay to ask for help
  • Turn thoughts to the goal of not gambling
  • Avoid people and situations that encourage betting

You can make it easier on yourself to live with a gambling addiction if you identify your gambling triggers and stay away from them. Ongoing therapy helps manage the condition.

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How to Treat Gambling

Three main ways exist to treat gambling problems, including psychotherapy, medication and support groups. Cognitive behavioral therapy and behavior therapy help a person identify thought patterns that lead to and support a gambling problem, and replace them with healthier beliefs.

Some gamblers respond well to antidepressants, narcotic antagonists and mood stabilizer medications. Oftentimes, a person with a gambling addiction also suffers from bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD or obsessive-compulsive disorder, so medication or therapy to treat those conditions can alleviate gambling addiction. Gamblers Anonymous and other self-help groups help many people as well.

Deciding Between Gambling Addiction Solutions

Gambling Anonymous Groups

The type of treatment that works for one person might be vastly different than what’s effective for someone else. Seeking an evaluation from a professional and discussing treatment options is the best way to choose the right gambling addiction solutions for you.

Gamblers Anonymous Meetings Near Me

Where to Find Gambling Addiction Treatment for a Friend or Family Member

Gamblers Anonymous Pdf

The sooner a person receives treatment for a gambling addiction, the easier it is to stop the progression of the illness. The problem is where to find gambling addiction treatment. Facilities offering inpatient and outpatient care might not be available in all areas, but by calling , we can help you find the closest available treatment resources. Friends and family members can also receive therapy to help them cope with the stress of having someone they know deal with a gambling addiction. A gambling addiction expert or facility can recommend support for loved ones.