From Pathological Gambling To Help Seeking

This book provides an overview of the state of the art in research on and treatment of gambling disorder. As a behavioral addiction, gambling disorder is of increasing relevance to the field of mental health. Research conducted in the last decade has yielded valuable new insights into the characteristics and etiology of gambling disorder, as well as effective treatment strategies. The different chapters of this book present detailed information on the general concept of addiction as applied to gambling, the clinical characteristics, epidemiology and comorbidities of gambling disorder, as well as typical cognitive distortions found in patients with gambling disorder. In addition, the book includes chapters discussing animal models and the genetic and neurobiological underpinnings of the disorder. Further, it is examining treatment options including pharmacological and psychological intervention methods, as well as innovative new treatment approaches. The book also discusses relevant similarities to and differences with substance-related disorders and other behavioral addictions. Lastly, it examines gambling behavior from a cultural perspective, considers possible prevention strategies and outlines future perspectives in the field.

As states have moved from merely tolerating gambling to running their own games, as communities have increasingly turned to gambling for an economic boost, important questions arise. Has the new age of gambling increased the proportion of pathological or problem gamblers in the U.S. population? Where is the threshold between "social betting" and pathology? Is there a real threat to our families, communities, and the larger society? Pathological Gambling explores America's experience of gambling, examining: The diverse and frequently controversial issues surrounding the definition of pathological gambling. Its co-occurrence with disorders such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and depression. Its social characteristics and economic consequences, both good and bad, for communities. The role of video gaming, Internet gambling, and other technologies in the development of gambling problems. Treatment approaches and their effectiveness, from Gambler's Anonymous to cognitive therapy to pharmacology. This book provides the most up-to-date information available on the prevalence of pathological and problem gambling in the United States, including a look at populations that may have a particular vulnerability to gambling: women, adolescents, and minority populations. Its describes the effects of problem gambling on families, friendships, employment, finances, and propensity to crime. How do pathological gamblers perceive and misperceive randomness and chance? What are the causal pathways to pathological gambling? What do genetics, brain imaging, and other studies tell us about the biology of gambling? Is there a bit of sensation-seeking in all of us? Who needs treatment? What do we know about the effectiveness of different policies for dealing with pathological gambling? The book reviews the available facts and frames the intriguing questions yet to be answered. Pathological Gambling will be the odds-on favorite for anyone interested in gambling in America: policymakers, public officials, economics and social researchers, treatment professionals, and concerned gamblers and their families.

This dissertation, "From Pathological Gambling to Help-seeking: Cases of Female Pathological Gamblers in Hong Kong" by Wai-kwan, Scarlette, Cheng, 鄭慧君, was obtained from The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong) and is being sold pursuant to Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 Hong Kong License. The content of this dissertation has not been altered in any way. We have altered the formatting in order to facilitate the ease of printing and reading of the dissertation. All rights not granted by the above license are retained by the author. Abstract: Abstract of dissertation entitled From Pathological Gambling to Help Seeking: The Cases of Female Pathological Gamblers in Hong Kong Submitted by Cheng Wai Kwan, Scarlette for the degree of Master of Social Work at the University of Hong Kong in August 2006 Approximately one-third of the pathological gamblers are females (APA, 2000), unfortunately most of the existing researches focus on male gamblers only. There is also a lack of studies in Chinese-dominant societies though gambling issues among Chinese are getting more attention internationally. The present study aims at exploring the pathological gambling and help-seeking experiences of Chinese female pathological gamblers (FPGs) in Hong Kong. Eight FPGs currently attending gambling rehabilitation services in Hong Kong were recruited. They were screened by the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), an internationally recognized screening tool for pathological gamblers. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed and analyzed with content analysis procedures. The participants usually started gambling recreationally and gambled for the purpose of entertainment and socialization. They gambled more intensively when they encountered risk factors such as difficulties in marital relationships and adjustment in child care. The development of pathological gambling was characterized by a relatively long period of intense gambling before the participants gambled pathologically. Many of them showed relationship difficulties, financial problems and emotional distress as a result of pathological gambling. These impacts further reinforced heavier gambling. Many participants would not seek help unless they were invited or forced by others. Positive peer interaction, improvement in psychological health and supportive workers encouraged them to stay away from pathological gambling. This study concludes with recommendations for further research and implications of social work practice in a gender-specific manner. DOI: 10.5353/th_b3984912 Subjects: Women gamblers - China - Hong Kong Compulsive gambling - China - Hong Kong

This international survey addresses gaps in the knowledge base on problem gambling, emphasizing evidence-based best practices for working with this diverse and notably resistant client population. A detailed introduction offers current findings on behavioral, affective, and neurological manifestations of disordered gambling, with prevalent types of resultant psychological, financial, and social harm. The book’s conceptual discussion examines clinical and sub-clinical presentations as well as the complex interplay of psychological and social factors that create barriers to seeking help. And on the practical side, up-to-date chapters detail widely-used and newer treatment options for compulsive gambling with the best chances of reducing treatment non-compliance and post-treatment relapses, including: · Psychoeducation. · Motivational interviewing. · Cognitive behavioral therapy. · Metacognitive and mindfulness approaches. · Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. · Dialectical Behavior Therapy. · Schema therapy. · Pharmacology. · Relapse Prevention. Evidence-Based Treatments for Problem Gambling is a ready source of insights, data, and strategies for counselors working in problem gambling treatment centers, and for psychologists and counselors operating in public or private practice who see individuals with problem gambling as a primary or comorbid presentation. Researchers, lecturers, and treatment clinic managers will find this presentation both informative and immediately useful.

Over the past decade, legal wagering has expanded rapidly in North America. In 1998 alone, people lost 50 billion dollars in legal betting and it is estimated that illegal wagering is twice that amount. A recent government report, based on the broadest population survey, concludes that the lifetime and pathological gamblers in the U.S. range between 4 and 10 million persons and is growing. If we include the families affected by problem gambling then the potential impact is indeed prodigious. Virtually no community in the U.S. and Canada is left untouched by entertainment or problem gambling. Treating problem gambling has evolved from a small group of practitioners in the 1980's working in specialty impatient units into an international enterprise that affects the caseload of many mental health professionals. Owing to its quiet origins, problem gambling treatment strategies are not well known throughout the clinical community. Consequently the average clinician is him/herself "learning as they go." This approach does not benefit either client or therapist. As the book's first chapter makes clear, problem gambling differs significantly from substance abuse, its nearest clinical relative. Not attending to these differences leads to poor results and clinical failure. This book is the one essential tool needed by clinicians treating or likely to treat problem gambling. Written by a clinician with wide experience, it is intended for the general clinician treating or likely to treat problem gambling desiring a comprehensive, yet user-friendly guide. Assessment and treatment of problem gambling and those affected by it is discussed Includes diagnostic instruments developed by the author An integrative approach is taken with a special focus on cultural concerns and clinical applications for women and minorities Integration of spirituality in treatment is covered

If you feel as if you can no longer control your gambling, if your gambling has interfered with your family, social, or working life, this workbook can help you take back control. Though gambling has become increasingly prevalent in society, pathological gambling is a serious condition. Pathological gamblers find they are unable to participate in their social lives, have problems at work, and end up in financial trouble because they feel compelled to keep gambling. Much of this problem comes from incorrect beliefs about the nature of the game; people believe they can beat the system or learn to control the outcome of games of chance. In this treatment, you will learn not only how to avoid problem situations, but also the truth about gambling. Overcoming Your Pathological Gambling is written by researchers who have spent over two decades studying the psychology of gambling. This book represents the treatment they have found to be most effective at controlling the urge to gamble, understanding the true nature of gambling games, and preventing future gambling problems. Intended for use in conjunction with supervised therapy, this workbook includes various self-assessments and exercises designed to help you reach the ultimate goal of complete abstinence from gambling. This workbook and the corresponding therapist guide form a complete treatment package that will help you overcome your gambling problem and learn recovery skills that are useful for a lifetime. TreatmentsThatWorkTM represents the gold standard of behavioral healthcare interventions! · All programs have been rigorously tested in clinical trials and are backed by years of research · A prestigious scientific advisory board, led by series Editor-In-Chief David H. Barlow, reviews and evaluates each intervention to ensure that it meets the highest standard of evidence so you can be confident that you are using the most effective treatment available to date · Our books are reliable and effective and make it easy for you to provide your clients with the best care available · Our corresponding workbooks contain psychoeducational information, forms and worksheets, and homework assignments to keep clients engaged and motivated · A companion website (www.oup.com/us/ttw) offers downloadable clinical tools and helpful resources · Continuing Education (CE) Credits are now available on select titles in collaboration with PsychoEducational Resources, Inc. (PER)

Overcoming Pathological Gambling, Therapist Guide provides clinicians with session-by-session instructions for implementing an effective, CBT-based treatment for pathological gambling. The treatment outlined helps clients to not only overcome their problem, but also to deal with the many consequences of their excessive gambling including financial problems and interpersonal conflicts.

Over the past 30 years there has been a dramatic increase in the availability of convenient and legal gambling opportunities. Accompanying this proliferation of gambling is a growing understanding that between 5% and 9% of adults experience significant to severe problems due to their gambling activities. These problems have become a real health concern, with substantial costs to individuals, families, and communities. The objective of this book is to provide the clinician – or graduate student – with essential information about problem and pathological gambling. After placing this behavioral addiction and its co-occurring difficulties in perspective, by describing its proliferation, the associated costs, and diagnostic criteria and definitions, the authors present detailed information on a strategy to assess and treat gambling problems in an outpatient setting.

Pathological gambling, sometimes called compulsive gambling, is a psychological disorder characterized by the inability to resist impulses to gamble, leading to severe personal or social consequences. In people who develop pathological gambling, occasional gambling can lead to a gambling habit. Now that the Internet Provides easy access to gambling online and more and more casinos are opening across the United States, gambling addiction is a growing problem. Pathological Gambling examines all aspects of this disorder, including its causes, symptoms, treatment, therapy, and current research into the disorder. The Psychological Disorders series explores the symptoms, causes, and effects of the most common psychological disorders. Highlighting the brain chemistry and psychological processes behind the disorders, these books explain how various pharmacological and psychotherapy treatments can help ease or eliminate symptoms. Case studies illustrate how mental health problems impact everyday life so that readers can better understand the signs of psychological disorders and recognize the need for professional help. Book jacket.