25. Gambling addiction impairs growing numbers of people

By Tom O'Connell

When the 1990s arrived, experts at addiction conferences said gambling addiction would grow rapidly during this decade. Now we can see the impact everywhere we turn. Gambling is available in all kinds of stores and in many restaurants. Religious institutions use it to raise money. And the word "casino" is in the news constantly.

Studies show that about 5 to 6% of the gambling population are problem or compulsive gamblers. And that's probably a low estimate. What is "compulsive" gambling? In simple terms, it's when a person has an overwhelming impulse to gamble which then becomes out of control and makes the person's life unmanageable.

"Hey, what's the big deal? I gamble. So what? Who am I hurting?"

Let's hear the response from a recovered compulsive gambler who now heads the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling: "Compulsive gamblers need money," says Thomas Cummings. "When they begin to lose, they chase money, any money they can beg, borrow, or steal. They'll use the rent money, the mortgage money, money for car payments or other bills. They will let the electric company turn off their lights. They hurt their spouses, children, employers, friends, and relatives."

Cummings estimates conservatively that a compulsive gambler adversely affects the lives of at least seven other people. "When things get bad enough the compulsive gambler will turn to theft, embezzlement, even armed robbery to get money for gambling. Studies have shown a high percentage of white collar crime is related to gambling. Ultimately, our society pays for bankruptcies, embezzlements, bad checks, and an increasing prison population."

But don't compulsive gamblers win sometimes? Cummings reports, "Yes, but never enough. They are subject to extreme highs and lows, not unlike a manic depressive personality. If they score a big win, they are convinced they are going to win more. If they lose, well, it's obvious they can get even by betting more money. Either way, they're bound to lose eventually. The odds are stacked against the compulsive gambler."

But gamblers, like other risk-takers who use stimulants, are addicted to the adrenaline rush that gambling gives them. As with other addictions, gamblers defend their behavior, deny their behavior, have to gamble more and more often to get the rush, and suffer withdrawal symptoms when they can't get their fix. Among the symptoms reported by compulsive gamblers are insecurity, irritability, mood swings, paranoia, depression, isolation, frustration, and self-pity. This sounds a lot like alcoholism, doesn't it?

At a conference on compulsive gambling, I heard one "upscale" gambler tell of how he had to borrow electricity over an extension cord from an affluent neighbor to get through a tough season. Addiction is no respecter of social category. I heard another gambler say he secretly had a phone installed in the cellar so he could go down there to do "laundry" and place bets at the same time without his wife knowing it.

It's standard for compulsive gamblers to lose their life savings and inheritances. And I recently heard about a million dollar lottery winner who has been gambling away the winnings at convenience stores. Do you think this doesn't make sense? Well, addiction is irrational, and has its own whacky logic.

Is recovery possible? You bet. Try Gamblers Anonymous.

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