Escape Gambling - Four Phases

ACTION GAMBLERS
1. Action Gamblers
2. Four Phases of Action Gamblers
3. Difference Between Action/Escape Profiles

ESCAPE GAMBLERS
1. Escape Gamblers
2. Four Phases of Escape Gamblers
3. More Facts about Escape Gamblers
4. Inside the Mind of The Escape Gambler
5. Escape Gamblers - Gender or Type?

Originally written by Don Hulen in 1994
Latest Revision: September 2011
Contributors: Paula Burns, Ricky Brumfield, Pam Koopman

Reading Note: Although the pronoun "he" is used to describe the Action gambler and the Escape gambler is referred to as "she," this is NOT intended to imply that ALL action compulsive gamblers are male nor that ALL escape compulsive gamblers are female.

ESCAPE GAMBLING: THE FOUR PHASES

95% OF WOMEN AND 37% OF MEN WHO CALL THE ARIZONA COUNCIL ON COMPULSIVE GAMBLING MEET OUR CRITERIA FOR COMPULSIVE ESCAPE GAMBLING

INTRODUCTORY PHASE

Also known as the "Winning Phase," although that term does not fully describe what occurs for escape gamblers. Some may have gambled socially at some time in their lives with no adverse consequences. Some may never have gambled before. Many report knowing they were "in trouble" from their first gambling experience following predisposing factors. Characteristics may include:

SEVERAL SMALL OR EVEN LARGE MONETARY "WINNING EPISODES"
Although winning 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 following these winning episodes.
EMOTIONAL ESCAPE
Escape from life’s problems during the act of gambling is the predominant "WIN" experienced by many escape gamblers. Money allows them to play more, escape longer. Many experience a mood-altering euphoria while at a machine.
SELF-ESTEEM BOOST
This "winning" boost comes from a FALSE SENSE OF EMPOWERMENT. Escape gamblers experience an "it’s my turn" feeling without family members present to make demands on their time and energy.
INDEPENDENCE
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
Another "winning" feeling that may be present.
SOCIAL INTERACTION
"Friendships" formed at the casino reportedly fill the void for many who suffer from loneliness.

LOSING PHASE

LOSSES ARE RATIONALIZED AS BAD LUC; ANTICIPATION OF THE "BIG WIN JUST AROUND THE CORNER"
THE CYCLE OF WINNING, LOSING AND BREAKING EVEN BEGINS; BAILOUTS START
NO WIN IS "ENOUGH" OR CAN SATISFY; IT IS NOW ABOUT "HOW LONG CAN I PLAY" OR ESCAPE
LOWERED SELF ESTEEM; GAMBLING ALONE; WAGERS INCREASE; GAMBLING IS HIDDEN
MORE TIME SPENT GAMBLING OR THINKING ABOUT GAMBLING
LYING TO COVER MONEY SPENT; BEHIND IN BILLS; BORROWING MONEY
IRRITABLE WHEN NOT GAMBLING; NEGLIGENT OF FAMILY OR FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES
UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS TO LIMIT OR STOP GAMBLING
GAMBLING HAS REPLACED ALL COPING SKILLS AND BECOMES A WAY TO ESCAPE LIFE’S PROBLEMS
GAMBLES LONGER THAN PLANNED; GAMBLES UNTIL LAST DOLLAR IS GONE
LOSES TIME FROM WORK; SELLS ITEMS TO FINANCE GAMBLING
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)

OBSESSED WITH GAMBLING; NEGLECTS PHYSICAL WELL BEING; SEEKS BAILOUTS
REPUTATION AFFECTED; LOSS OF FRIENDS AND/OR FAMILY
LACK OF CONCERN FOR OTHERS; DRASTIC MOOD SWINGS
ILLEGAL ACTS (EMBEZZLEMENT, BAD CHECKS, INSURANCE OR CREDIT CARD FRAUD)
DANGER OF RELAPSE IF IN RECOVERY FROM ANOTHER ADDICTION
LOSS OF SPOUSE, KIDS, JOB, HOME
FREQUENT THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE

HOPELESS PHASE

POSSIBLE INCARCERATION
EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWN
FINANCIAL RUIN
SUICIDE ATTEMPT

Many escape gamblers identify codependency as a source of some of the underlying issues they must deal with in their recovery. Books by such authors as Melody Beatty or Pia Mellody as well as from CoDA itself are recommended. Books are available online through Hazelden or Amazon.com.

Please visit:
CoDA at www.codependents.org

For women only: Please visit The WOMEN HELPING WOMEN NEWSLETTER


TYPES OF GAMBLERS
ACTION GAMBLERS 1. Action Gamblers 2. Four Phases of Action Gamblers 3. Difference Between Action/Escape Profiles ESCAPE GAMBLERS 1. Escape Gamblers 2. Four Phases of Escape Gamblers 3. More Facts about Escape Gamblers 4. Inside the Mind of The Escape Gambler 5. Escape Gamblers - Gender or Type? Originally written by Don Hulen in 1994 Latest Revision: September 2011 Contributors: Paula Burns, Ricky Brumfield, Pam Koopman Reading Note: Although the pronoun "he" is used to describe the Action gambler and the Escape gambler is referred to as "she," this is NOT intended to imply that ALL action compulsive gamblers are male nor that ALL escape compulsive gamblers are female. ESCAPE GAMBLING: THE FOUR PHASES 95% OF WOMEN AND 37% OF MEN WHO CALL THE ARIZONA COUNCIL ON COMPULSIVE GAMBLING MEET OUR CRITERIA FOR COMPULSIVE ESCAPE GAMBLING INTRODUCTORY PHASE Also known as the "Winning Phase," although that term does not fully describe what occurs for escape gamblers. Some may have gambled socially at some time in their lives with no adverse consequences. Some may never have gambled before. Many report knowing they were "in trouble" from their first gambling experience following predisposing factors. Characteristics may include: SEVERAL SMALL OR EVEN LARGE MONETARY "WINNING EPISODES" Although winning 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 following these winning episodes. EMOTIONAL ESCAPE Escape from life’s problems during the act of gambling is the predominant "WIN" experienced by many escape gamblers. Money allows them to play more, escape longer. Many experience a mood-altering euphoria while at a machine. SELF-ESTEEM BOOST This "winning" boost comes from a FALSE SENSE OF EMPOWERMENT. Escape gamblers experience an "it’s my turn" feeling without family members present to make demands on their time and energy. INDEPENDENCE 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 Another "winning" feeling that may be present. SOCIAL INTERACTION "Friendships" formed at the casino reportedly fill the void for many who suffer from loneliness. LOSING PHASE LOSSES ARE RATIONALIZED AS BAD LUC; ANTICIPATION OF THE "BIG WIN JUST AROUND THE CORNER" THE CYCLE OF WINNING, LOSING AND BREAKING EVEN BEGINS; BAILOUTS START NO WIN IS "ENOUGH" OR CAN SATISFY; IT IS NOW ABOUT "HOW LONG CAN I PLAY" OR ESCAPE LOWERED SELF ESTEEM; GAMBLING ALONE; WAGERS INCREASE; GAMBLING IS HIDDEN MORE TIME SPENT GAMBLING OR THINKING ABOUT GAMBLING LYING TO COVER MONEY SPENT; BEHIND IN BILLS; BORROWING MONEY IRRITABLE WHEN NOT GAMBLING; NEGLIGENT OF FAMILY OR FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS TO LIMIT OR STOP GAMBLING GAMBLING HAS REPLACED ALL COPING SKILLS AND BECOMES A WAY TO ESCAPE LIFE’S PROBLEMS GAMBLES LONGER THAN PLANNED; GAMBLES UNTIL LAST DOLLAR IS GONE LOSES TIME FROM WORK; SELLS ITEMS TO FINANCE GAMBLING 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) OBSESSED WITH GAMBLING; NEGLECTS PHYSICAL WELL BEING; SEEKS BAILOUTS REPUTATION AFFECTED; LOSS OF FRIENDS AND/OR FAMILY LACK OF CONCERN FOR OTHERS; DRASTIC MOOD SWINGS ILLEGAL ACTS (EMBEZZLEMENT, BAD CHECKS, INSURANCE OR CREDIT CARD FRAUD) DANGER OF RELAPSE IF IN RECOVERY FROM ANOTHER ADDICTION LOSS OF SPOUSE, KIDS, JOB, HOME FREQUENT THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE HOPELESS PHASE POSSIBLE INCARCERATION EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWN FINANCIAL RUIN SUICIDE ATTEMPT Many escape gamblers identify codependency as a source of some of the underlying issues they must deal with in their recovery. Books by such authors as Melody Beatty or Pia Mellody as well as from CoDA itself are recommended. Books are available online through Hazelden or Amazon.com. Please visit: CoDA at www.codependents.org For women only: Please visit The WOMEN HELPING WOMEN NEWSLETTER
We welcome your comments and questions: azccg@azccg.org The ACCG is a proud affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling For questions or comments about this site: Contact the Webmaster at beeswax@cox.net