Pathological Gambling Research Paper

632 Words2 Pages

Gambling Terminology Paper
Cheryl Dizly
ICDC College

In this paper, I will discuss my understanding of the differences between problem and pathological gambling as well as the differences in treatment. Research states that gambling began in the early 1600’s to the mid 1800’s (library.ca.gov). My readings have revealed that gambling, which can be defined as a game in which one can “win or lose money or possessions” (Merriam-Webster, 2015) initially started out as a form of recreation, however, in time it developed into a problem for some individuals. Due to certain behaviors and the negative impact on an individual’s life that came about from gambling, this game or recreational activity was viewed as being a problem that could be …show more content…

“Pathological gambling is medically defined in both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10) as being unable to resist impulses to gamble, which can lead to severe personal or social consequences.” (ICDC College, 2014)
Although problem gambling and pathological gambling are both behavioral addictions, there are slight differences in the two. The DSM has a set criteria to diagnose someone with a gambling disorder. A problem gambler must meet three or four of the nine listed criteria, whereas a pathological gambler must meet five or more of the DSM criteria. The other difference is that the problem gambler’s gambling problem is not as severe as the pathological gambler, but the problem gambler has the potential to progress to the level of severity of the pathological gambler if treatment is not …show more content…

Because studies have found that “gamblers hold erroneous thoughts concerning the outcome of the game…” (Lachance, 2007) their ideology perpetuated their behavior as made evident in their continuance to excessively gamble. Because gambling disorders are behavioral addictions, cognitive behavioral therapy is one form of treatment used to treat individuals with gambling addictions.
The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to “teaches problem gamblers how to fight gambling urges, deal with uncomfortable emotions rather than escape through gambling, and solve financial, work, and relationship problems caused by the addiction.” (helpguide.org) As in substance abuse treatment, treatment for gambling should be tailored to meet the unique and individual needs of the person. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one form of treatment that would be beneficial for both problem gambling and pathological gambling since it’s goal is to address the thoughts that are behind the behaviors. In conclusion, gambling can escalate into a problem which can also progress into a pathological gambling problem. Problem gambling and pathological gambling can disrupt an individual’s life and cause severe problems. They are both diagnosed in the DSM. The good news is there is treatment for this problem and recovery is possible if treatment is sought treatment efforts are maintained by the

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