Gambling addiction, also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling, problem gambling, or gambling disorder involves maladaptive patterns of gambling behavior that the individual persists with, despite negative consequences. This is consistent with behavior patterns observed in other addictions.

1. This study investigated stigma associated with problem gambling in Victoria. Through surveys and interviews with Victorian adults, including people with gambling problems and counsellors, the researchers looked at the nature and relative intensity of stigma related to gambling and how different groups perceive and experience it.
2. Officially changing the name to “Gambling Disorder” is a welcome revision for many researchers and clinicians who have expressed concern that the label “pathological” is a pejorative term that only reinforces the social stigma of being a problem gambler. Changes in Diagnostic Criteria and Lowering of Threshold for a Diagnosis.
3. Stigma is a barrier to engaging in care for gambling problems. Financial problems were stigma-related barriers to seeking help for men and women. Addictive qualities of gambling and emotional distress created barriers to care for men. The seductive gambling.

There is an incredible stigma surrounding disordered gambling and even alcohol use (sometimes referred to as “addiction”) in Woodbridge and around the nation that can have a damaging effect on those who need help to recover. Labeling those with this disorder as “addicts” can have profound consequences on their health as well as their willingness to seek help.

As an organization dedicated to helping those with a gambling disorder and any other corresponding problems such as an alcohol use disorder (or “addiction”) in Trenton and the rest of New Jersey, we at the CCGNJ feel it necessary to address the stigma of disordered gambling. With this article, we aim to illuminate the adverse effects that stigmatization can have on disordered gamblers, so in the future, we as a society can better help those in need address their disorder and seek recovery.

The Stigma Surrounding Problem Gambling

Stigma is a social process in which individuals who partake in a particular social activity or context are devalued due to a perceived negative attribute associated with that activity. This labeling and stereotyping can lead to a range of consequences for the stigmatized population.

The stigma around disordered gamblers is that they are impulsive, irresponsible, and untrustworthy, among other things. As a result, disordered gamblers are reluctant to admit they have a problem. If they are then labeled as an “addict” close friends and family often begin to treat them differently and dissociate from them, which only compounds their problems.

The Damaging Effect It Can Have

The stigmatization of disordered gambling leads a person to delay the acknowledgment of his or her situation because he or she fears the consequences of being publically labeled as a problem gambler. For the same reasons, a disordered gambler is unlikely to disclose their problem to family and friends, which prolongs the recovery process by delaying treatment.

What You Can Do

Instead of distancing from disordered gamblers and leaving them to seek help alone, we at the CCGNJ are encouraging you to show compassion for those battling a gambling disorder and support them on the road to recovery. We offer help meetings, online resources, and a 24-hour helpline, 800-GAMBLER for those seeking recovery. If you notice signs of disordered gambling in someone close to you, don’t feed into the stigma, be the support he or she needs and help them recover.

Do you know someone who gambles excessively? If so, perhaps you’ve wondered if this individual just had a bad habit or if he or she was actually addicted to gambling. It’s a question that even the experts have debated. But the latest diagnostic publication of the American Psychiatric Association, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-V, confirms that excessive gambling can indeed be an addiction, just like substance abuse.

The Nature of Gambling Addiction

“Problem” gambling, also referred to as pathological or compulsive gambling, affects an estimated 2 – 4% of the population. Before recent changes by mental health clinicians, it was classified as in impulse control disorder. Like kleptomania (uncontrollable stealing) or pyromania (impulsive fire setting), compulsive gambling was considered a mental disorder associated with poor impulse control.

With further research, a new classification of the disorder has been made. In the DSM-V, compulsive gambling is considered to be one of the “substance-related and addictive disorders.” Why the change? There is growing clinical evidence that pathological gambling has much in common with traditional substance abuse disorders.

Pathological Gambling Disorder

First, the effects of the respective disorders on individuals’ work, financial, and personal lives can be similar. Neurochemical testing and brain imaging have also made a case for the belief that gambling activates the brain’s reward system in a manner similar to drugs. For example, compulsive gamblers report highs from gambling as well as cravings. Furthermore, gambling problems tend to run in families, indicating potential genetic factors. Finally, pathological gamblers are more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs.

Stigma Of Pathological Gambling Definition

Symptoms of Gambling Addiction

In order for an individual to be classified as having a gambling disorder, at least 4 of the following symptoms must be present:

Stigma Of Pathological Gambling Disorders

• Frequent preoccupation with gambling;
• Tendency to gamble increasingly large amounts of money;
• Using gambling to cope with feeling distressed;
• Lack of success in controlling, cutting back, or stopping the behavior;
• Lying to others to hide gambling or committing illegal acts to finance;
• Restlessness or irritability when attempting to decrease or stop gambling;
• Frequent and often long-term “chasing” of losses with increased gambling;
• Loss of a job or relationship due to behavior;
• Reliance upon others to get out of financial straits.

Many of these symptoms resemble classic addictive symptoms, such as withdrawal and loss of control.

Stigma Of Pathological Gambling Disorders

Individuals with pathological gambling problems are more likely to exhibit symptoms of other psychiatric problems. In addition to substance abuse, such problems may include mood disorders, anxiety, or personality disorders.

Stigma Of Pathological Gambling Disorder

While the effects of pathological gambling should not be minimized, viewing the behavior as evidence of an addiction rather than a character flaw can be helpful in encouraging an individual to seek treatment. It may also remove some of the stigma associated with the behavior. With appropriate intervention, individuals with gambling addictions can recover and live productive lives. (And that’s a sure bet!)