ESCAPE GAMBLING: THE FOUR PHASES
95% OF WOMEN AND 37% OF MEN CALLING THE ARIZONA COUNCIL ON COMPULSIVE GAMBLING IN THE PAST YEAR HAVE MET OUR CRITERIA FOR COMPULSIVE ESCAPE GAMBLING
INTRODUCTORY PHASE
Winning "phase"is not an appropriate term for what happens to escape gamblers. They may have gambled socially at some time in their life with no adverse consequences or they may never have gambled before. Many report knowing they were "in trouble" after their first gambling experience following predisposing factors . Characteristics may include:
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SEVERAL SMALL OR EVEN LARGE MONETARY WINNING "EPISODES."
Although money is usually secondary for escape gamblers, they may see gambling as a way to solve financial difficulties, become financially independent or make extra money after these winning episodes. -
EMOTIONAL ESCAPE
from life’s problems experienced while in the act of gambling is the sole "win" identified by many escape gamblers. Money just means they can play longer- escape longer. Many experience a mood altering euphoria while at a machine. -
SELF-ESTEEM BOOST
that comes from a FALSE SENSE OF EMPOWERMENT as they experience an "it’s my turn" feeling without family members present to make demands on their time and energy is another "win" reported by escape gamblers. -
INDEPENDENCE
is yet another intoxicating "win" especially if they are in a relationship where the spouse or significant other is domineering or controlling or if physical ailments or disabilities keep them from a "normal" life. -
.EXCITEMENT AND LIVING ON THE EDGE
is another feeling that may be present. -
SOCIAL INTERACTION
at the casino reportedly fills the void by many who suffer from loneliness.
LOSING PHASE
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LOSSES ARE RATIONALIZED AS BAD LUCK WITH THE "BIG WIN" RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
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THE CYCLE OF WINNING, LOSING AND BREAKING EVEN BEGINS -------- BAILOUTS
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NO WIN IS "ENOUGH" OR CAN SATISFY BECAUSE IT IS NOW ABOUT "HOW LONG CAN I PLAY" OR ESCAPE
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LOWERED SELF ESTEEM ---- GAMBLING ALONE --- WAGERS INCREASE --- HIDING GAMBLING
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MORE TIME IS SPENT GAMBLING OR THINKING ABOUT GAMBLING
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LYING TO COVER MONEY SPENT--- BEHIND IN BILLS --- BORROWING MONEY
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IRRITABLE WHEN NOT GAMBLING --- NEGLIGENT OF FAMILY OR FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES
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UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS TO LIMIT OR STOP GAMBLING
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GAMBLING HAS REPLACED ALL COPING SKILLS AND BECOMES A WAY TO ESCAPE LIFE’S PROBLEMS
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GAMBLES LONGER THAN PLANNED --- GAMBLES UNTIL LAST $ IS GONE
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LOSES TIME FROM WORK --- SELLS ITEMS TO FINANCE GAMBLING
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FEELS REMORSE AFTER GAMBLING ---- ANGRY WHEN CONFRONTED ABOUT GAMBLING
DESPERATION PHASE
(Most Escape Gamblers reach this phase 1 to 3 years from the onset of compulsive gambling.)
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OBSESSED WITH GAMBLING --- PHYSICAL WELL BEING NEGLECTED ---BAILOUTS
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REPUTATION AFFECTED --- LOSS OF FRIENDS AND/OR FAMILY
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LACK OF CONCERN FOR OTHERS --- DRASTIC MOOD SWINGS
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ILLEGAL ACTS (EMBEZZLEMENT, BAD CHECKS, INSURANCE OR CREDIT CARD FRAUD)
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IF IN RECOVERY FROM ANOTHER DEPENDENCE, POSSIBILITY FOR RELAPSE
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LOSS OF SPOUSE, KIDS, JOB, HOME
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FREQUENT THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE
HOPELESS PHASE
- POSSIBLE INCARCERATION
- EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWN
- FINANCIAL RUIN
- SUICIDE ATTEMPT
Upon learning about codependency, many escape gamblers identify codependency problems as some of the underlying issues they must deal with as part of their recovery. Books by such authors as Melody Beatty or Pia Mellody as well as CoDA itself are recommended. Books are available on line through Hazelden or Amazon.com.
Please visit:
CoDA at www.codependents.org
For women only: Please visit The WOMEN HELPING WOMEN NEWSLETTER
