Pathological gambling

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Gambling - compulsive; Compulsive gambling; Addictive gambling

Treatment for people with pathological gambling begins with the recognition of the problem. Since pathological gambling is often associated with denial, people with the illness often refuse to accept that they are ill or need treatment. Most people with pathological gambling enter treatment under pressure from others, rather than voluntarily accepting the need for treatment.

Treatment options include individual and group psychotherapy, medications, and self-help support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous. Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Abstinence principles that apply to other types of addiction, such as substance abuse and alcohol dependence, can also be helpful in the treatment of pathological gambling.

A few studies have been done on medications for the treatment of pathological gambling. Early results suggest that antidepressants, opioid antagonists, and mood stabilizers may help treat the symptoms of pathological gambling.

Like alcohol or drug addiction, pathological gambling is a chronic disorder that tends to get worse without treatment. Even with treatment, relapses are common. Nevertheless, people with pathological gambling can do very well with appropriate treatment.

People with pathological gambling often have problems with substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. For example, up to half of people with pathological gambling also have alcohol and drug abuse problems. People with pathological gambling frequently consider suicide, and 15-20% of them attempt it.

People with pathological gambling tend to experience financial, social, and legal problems. These can include bankruptcy, divorce, job loss, and incarceration. The stress and excitement of gambling may lead to heart attacks in vulnerable people. Many of these complications can be prevented with appropriate treatment.

Call your health care provider or mental health professional if you believe you have symptoms of pathological gambling.

Review Date: 11/01/2005
Reviewed By: Daniel W. Haupt, M.D., Instructor, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.