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TIPS For Families |
Written by: Janet Hanna Pathological Gambling Is… a serious condition. People are not able
to stop or control their gambling even when they know it hurts them, their
families and friends, and their wallets. Pathological gamblers are also called
compulsive or addictive gamblers. They spend a lot of time thinking about
gambling. They often experience overwhelming urges to gamble. They risk
more money and spend more time gambling than they mean to. Gambling often
interferes with their ability to maintain friendships and meet responsibilities
at home and at work. Many pathological gamblers do not believe
that gambling is responsible for their problems. Even those who do recognize
how gambling affects their lives find it difficult to stop, no matter how
hard they try. Pathological gamblers may be depressed or
feel anxious. Sometimes, but not always, they abuse alcohol and/or other
drugs. Families affected by pathological gambling
can also experience problems, especially in the areas of personal responsibility,
finances, and trust. Pathological Gambling Is Not… a sign of poor moral character or an indication
that a person is lazy, greedy, or bad. What Causes Pathological Gambling? There is growing evidence that the interactions
of a number of factors, such as psychological needs, social pressure, and
the biological functions of the brain, contribute to the development of pathological
gambling. For some people, pathological gambling runs
in families. This suggests that vulnerability to developing pathological
gambling may be inherited as well as learned. That is not the only cause
of pathological gambling, though. It is clear that other factors, such as
financial problems, changes in a family related to death or divorce, or even
living near a casino, contribute to the disorder. Studies show that pathological gamblers are
three to eight times more likely than recreational gamblers to have a parent
who is a pathological gambler. In some families of pathological gamblers,
a greater-than-average number of people have difficulties with alcohol, drugs,
or depression. However, pathological gambling also occurs in people who have
no family history of those disorders. If you wish to leave feedback about this
TIPS for Families, click on the TIPS Feedback Form at the bottom of
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