ACTION OR ESCAPE GAMBLERS
Differences in Pathological Gamblers in
Arizona
Written in 1994 -Major changes in 1997 & 98'
Reviewed April, 2008
This document is based on information provided to Don
Hulen and by his observation and interaction with male compulsive gamblers
over a fifty year time span and with female compulsive gamblers during
the years of 1989 through 2005. Paula Burns (ACCG staff mid 1997- 2001
& Ricky Brumfield, (ACCG staff November 1999 thru 2005.) Both added
to and collaborated in editing this ever changing article. While this
informal article does not relate to all compulsive gamblers, male or
female, it does reflect information provided to and observed by the
authors.
Until the 1990s, most clinical studies relating to
pathological gambling were conducted using male compulsive gamblers;
thus, much of the information available about the disease was specific
to male "action" pathological gamblers. Many of the people
calling the Arizona problem gambling Helpline during the 1990s clearly
did not fit the mold of "action gamblers. another type of compulsive
gambling which we call escape gambling emerged. Escape gamblers have
a much different profile than the traditional action gambler and include
men as well as women. (See article - Escape Gambler)
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ACTION COMPULSIVE GAMBLER
Many "action" gamblers are domineering, controlling,
manipulative men with large egos. They see themselves as friendly, sociable,
gregarious and generous. Their average IQ is over 120. They are energetic,
assertive, persuasive and confident. In spite of all this, they usually
have low self esteem. Historically they started gambling at an early
age, often in their teens, by placing small bets on sporting events
or playing cards with friends or relatives. They progress through the
four phases of the disorder over a ten to thirty year time span.
TYPES OF GAMBLING PREFERRED BY ACTION GAMBLERS
Action compulsive gamblers gamble primarily at "skill"
games such as poker or other card games; craps or other dice games;
horse and dog racing and sports betting. Both legal and illegal sports
betting is dominated by these gamblers. They gamble to beat other individuals
or the "house" and often believe they can develop a system
to achieve this goal. During the desperation phase of the disease, action
gamblers many often begin to gamble specifically for escape, medicating
the pain they are feeling from the destruction created by their gambling
with the narcotic-like effect of slot or more likely, video poker machines.
Gender note: To make the articles easier to read, the
pronoun "he" will be used to describe the action gambler while
escape gamblers will often be 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.
THE FOUR PHASES OF ACTION COMPULSIVE GAMBLERS
The Winning Phase:
During the winning phase (frequently 3 to 5 years)
of the disease, these gamblers won more often than they lost; probably
had a "big win", an amount equal to at least a month's normal
salary and sometimes as much as a year's normal salary or more.
This winning phase and specifically, a major early
win, justified to these gamblers their opinion of being smarter than
others and, of course, superior gamblers. These gamblers frequently
believe that they are capable of becoming "professional" gamblers
and may even perceive themselves to be one.
As these gamblers progress through the winning phase,
they begin to spend more time gambling, and begin to gamble more often
and for larger amounts of money. Eventually, they begin to lose.
The Losing Phase:
In the losing phase, which usually lasts more than
five years, the action gambler begins betting even larger amounts and
gambling even more. He starts to believe that he is simply on a losing
streak, and starts to double up on bets and to stay in hands when he
knows he should fold. He bets on "longshots" which he knows
don't have much of a chance but will pay big. He starts losing much
more often than he wins. These frequent losses cause him to gamble even
more in order to win back his losses.. (He is now "chasing"
his losses). He borrows money with which to gamble; the lying has already
begun; he must lie in order to cover his tracks. He must lie in order
to convince people that he is still the "happy go lucky gambler,"
and all around "good guy." He begins to lie about everything,
often when the truth would better serve him. He continues to boast about
his skills at gambling; talks often about his wins, rarely about his
losses.
At some point he has his first major "set-back."
Deep in financial trouble, he may convince his family or employer of
some phony major catastrophic disaster which requires a loan. He probably
is able to obtain this first "bailout," and probably asked
for more than he needed to settle up his gambling losses, therefore,
providing extra "gambling dollars". He considers that "bailout"
as a win. He is back in action and gambling even more feverishly than
before.
These bailouts may occur numerous times; eventually,
it is almost impossible to persuade others to again provide a loan.
He seems to lose almost all the time now. His life has become unmanageable,
and his family life is rapidly deteriorating.
The Desperation Phase:
The Desperation Phase can last for a short time or
many years. During the desperation phase, the majority of the gambler's
time is spent thinking about gambling, planning gambling or in action.
He no longer has control over his gambling. In order to relieve the
inner pain he must gamble; he knows he will lose, but it does not matter.
His lying is completely out of control. When others don't believe his
lies, he becomes angry with them, blaming others for his problems.
He must obtain the money with which to gamble at all
costs. His family is in shambles. They have possibly already left or
are on the verge of leaving. Illegal activity may be occurring; the
gambler may be embezzling money or stealing it in other ways. He will
consider these as loans which will be paid back soon from the big win
he believes he will have. He is still often able to present an outward
appearance of being in control.
His wife and kids (if they are still there) are suffering
in many ways: the rent or house payment is behind; the utilities may
have even been turned off; few of the relatives even speak to them anymore;
they are now on a cash only basis everywhere. Credit cards are "maxed";
the wife doesn't know what is wrong. She knows he is gambling. She knows
he continually lies. She has heard him say a thousand times that he
will stop, that everything will be okay. She is suffering from depression,
but because she still has a sense of false pride, she doesn't want anyone
to know how desperate they are, and pleads with him to just stop. Yet
he still continues to gamble. She is afraid to answer the phone, fearing
it will be still another bill collector, or worse, her relatives, wanting
their money or wanting information. Their life is spiraling downward
toward an unknown end. She is frequently convinced that it is somehow
her fault. The gambler often has an outward appearance, even at this
stage, of being in total control. He is still convinced that everyone
believes his lies. He even becomes angry when they don't. Outwardly
he blames everyone but himself for the unfortunate circumstances now
occurring. Inwardly, the gambler is in severe anguish. He truly loves
his family and wants things to be like they used to be. He wants respect
and stability, but he has to gamble. He can't tell you why, but he has
to gamble. He has to be in action. He is living in a dream world, knowing
he can't win. Punishing himself, he wants it to end. He thinks often
about self destruction, and probably more often than most would like
to believe, does attempt suicide. He has to gamble because it is the
only way he can relieve the pain.
His significant other's pride and lack of knowledge
about the disorder will not allow her to face the fact that she must
take action. It may take something like an arrest of the gambler, a
suicide attempt, or some other traumatic event to take place before
she finally offers an ultimatum, plans an intervention, or takes the
kids and leaves the gambler.
Once the action gambler enters stage three of the disorder,
the desperation phase, he and the escape gambler share many of the same
symptoms. They no longer have any control over gambling. Gambling itself
now has the control. In the latter stages of this phase the action gambler
is then gambling primarily for escape.
When a typical action gambler enters a self help recovery
program, he often believes that his family should immediately rally
to his aide, expecting them to forgive him instantly for his misdeeds.
He frequently still blames others for his actions, and usually does
not face the facts squarely. Often he wears the fact that he has stopped
gambling as a badge of honor and his ego is once again inflated. Not
taking the recovery program seriously, he only stops gambling. He does
not involve himself in the recovery program and before long, after a
few meetings, after he has convinced his family that he is once again
a "hero," he stops attending the program. Before you can wink
an eye he is back out gambling and back into phase three of the disease
on a progressive slide downward, right where he left off. After this
relapse, again out of marbles, he returns to the recovery program and
may finally take his gambling disease seriously.
When this occurs, he has a better chance at recovery.
Yet, often the action gambler attends meeting, gambles, returns to meetings
and gambles again. This cycle may last for years. This type of periodic
recovery and periodic compulsive gambling often leads to criminal activity
and imprisonment or even death.
Hopeless Phase:
Until the 1990s only three phases of pathological gambling
were noted. Many clinicians and experts who treat pathological gamblers
now say a fourth phase exists for both action and escape gamblers.
Once the gambler has been through the desperation phase,
it would seem that everything bad had occurred. However, in the hopeless
phase, both types of pathological gamblers have "given up".
They believe nothing can help; they don't care if they live or die.
In fact, for many the latter is the preference. They will all consider
suicide during this phase. Most will commit actions which could place
them in jail or prison. Clinical depression is a given. In their minds,
no one cares, no hope is available.
===============================================
ESCAPE COMPULSIVE GAMBLING IN ARIZONA
Note: The Term "ESCAPE GAMBLER" was coined
by Henry Lesieur Ph.D, PsyD.
Dr. Lesieur is one of original pioneers of research and treatment of
pathological gambling. He co-authored the DSM IV clinical criteria for
pathological gambling and co-developed the South Oaks Gambling Screen,
which is used by many clinicians as the primary diagnostic instrument
for the disorder. Dr. Lesieur wrote an article about Escape Gamblers
in 1992. (for more information on Dr. Lesieur see link to NCPG About
problem gambling - Fact Sheet) https://www.ncpgambling.org/about_problem/about_problem_timeline.asp
Prior to 1993, most Arizona gamblers wishing to gamble
at casinos made the trek to Nevada, left their money there, but brought
their problems home to Arizona. Now, a substantial amount of those casino
gambling dollars stay in Arizona. Most of the casino gambler's dollars
are used for good purposes: to create jobs, provide education, and induce
more tourists to come to Arizona.
However, as more gambling became available and more
of our Arizona citizens availed themselves to gambling, more crossed
the line from recreational gambling into the throes of perhaps the most
insidious of all addictions, compulsive gambling. During these first
years of Indian casinos, we have seen an epidemic of escape compulsive
gamblers reaching out for help. We have learned a great deal about the
escape gamblers who become addicted to Arizona casino gambling, the
Lottery and most recently Internet gambling.. As a result of this information,
we have provided our overview of the typical Arizona "escape"
compulsive gambler in the following Escape Gambling article.
HISTORY OF ESCAPE GAMBLING IN ARIZONA
In 1999, 73% of all calls to the ACCG 1-800-Helpline
were from or about Escape gamblers. 94% of the women and 49% of the
men who called identified themselves as such.
Gender or Type?
The only way to assess the early days of compulsive
gambling in Arizona is to look at the status of Gamblers Anonymous in
our state. Prior to the early 1990's, the only people who walked through
the GA doors and stayed were men. It was assumed they all fit the profile
of those who started GA, what we now call the Action gambler. "He"
usually had started gambling in his teens, and played skill games such
as cards or track betting. He didn't attempt to stop gambling until
forced into recovery by a spouse, employer or probation officer often
after 10 to 30 years of gambling compulsively. If there were what we
now call Escape or late-on-set gamblers among them, the distinction
went unnoticed.
Prior to 1981, public gambling was considered socially
unacceptable for women with the exception of local bingo halls. In fact,
the first gambling available to the public on Indian Reservations was
bingo. Then the Arizona Lottery introduced the first single scratch
ticket. The Pick and Lotto soon followed and tens of millions of dollars
worth of advertising convinced many that, "You gotta play to win."
By the time Indian Casinos were introduced in the late 1980's, the climate
of acceptability had been established: it was not only okay for everyone
to gamble, it was almost one's civic duty! Not only could women gamble
at their convenience market or grocery store, they could go to a casino
in groups or even alone. And the casinos offered the very games preferred
by most Escape gamblers: bingo, slot machines, video poker and kino
machines. In the mid 1990s when gambling became available on the internet,
it provided another gambling venue for both Escape and Action gamblers.
As with many steps toward gender equity, women began
to pay a price for their equality: they too found themselves in increasing
numbers becoming addicted to gambling. When they arrived at GA, it seemed
obvious: most women gambled differently than men.
As the years pass, it is now easier to see that the
differences between the two types of gamblers was a gender issue was
a misinterpretation of what was happening. Even our council first wrote
of the differences in the way men and women gamble. We now understand
that this is not a gender issue (although women do seem to do better
in early recovery by attending women only meetings). The accessibility
of casino type gambling is affecting men who had no previous history
of gambling or compulsive gambling in the same way it affects women.
Perhaps the least previously identified and least understood compulsive
gambler of all was the male Escape gambler.
Women gamblers finally found their way into recovery
in the greater Phoenix area by starting their own GA meeting. These
meetings seem to be almost essential in areas where GA has already been
established and is male dominated. As women gained recovery in their
meeting, they attended the other rooms in two's and three's. Their "therapy"
rang true for many men and helped pave the way for the male Escape gambler
to better understand his disease. Today women account for an estimated
50% of the membership of the GA rooms in the Phoenix area and the vast
majority of gamblers presenting for clinical care are women. Escape
Gamblers are now the majority of gamblers seeking help for problems
associated with gambling.
PROFILE OF ESCAPE GAMBLERS
Most Escape Gamblers have been nurturing, caring responsible
people for most of their lives. Most are not egotistical, have no indications
of narcissism and are not out-going. They appear to be "normal"
and have an almost exact opposite character profile than that of the
Action Gambler.
During their lives, various psychological traumas have
occurred. These individuals frequently suppress those negative feelings
and do not deal with them. As time goes by and the traumas increase,
a single traumatic event may take place which causes situational or
clinical depression. Friends and relatives of the person become aware
of the depression of the person.
After the predisposing issues come to the surface,
depression is prevalent the individual will often do what most do, attempt
to self-medicate or escape from the trauma (make themselves feel better).
These individuals are prone to use drugs, food, sex,
alcohol or gambling as a way to self-medicate. Often, a friend or family
member will suggest to the individual that they do something "fun"
to help forget about the problems.
When they choose gambling, the individual will realize
that the act of gambling does help them forget about and escape from
their problems. The individual may become addicted to gambling the first
time they gamble and the progression of the disorder begins.
THE PROGRESSIVE NATURE OF THE ILLNESS
Most escape gamblers begin by visiting a casino with
friends or family once or twice as a social event, an opportunity to
take a break from their problems and "have some fun". In other
words, they gamble for recreation. However a few quickly step over the
line into compulsive escape gambling. They rapidly fly through what
is often referred to as the "winning" phase . However, for
escape gamblers who gamble at games of luck, no winning phase exists.
It is more like an Introductory Phase. On occasion there are winning
episodes, but not phases. They may or may not have a big monetary win.
For them, "winning" may have to do more with the empowerment
that comes from entering a world which is free from outside controlling
factors which provides a narcotic-like relief or escape from their worries.
They are into phase two, the chasing stage, almost immediately and reach
the third phase of desperation and fourth phase, hopelessness, within
two to three years. They often seek professional counseling prior to
attending their first self help meeting.
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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
For most "Escape Gamblers" gambling was not
a problem until predisposing factors appeared( see Predisposing Factors
handout); plays "luck" games e.g. Bingo, lottery, slot or
video poker, live keno or keno machines; gambles first as recreation
then as "escape" from problems.
Not every escape gambler will experience all of the
symptoms or progress through the symptoms of a phase in the same order
or at the same rate. Some may return to a previous stage for a short
period of time. This is often seen after a bailout has occurred.(Bailout:
friends or family may pay off loans or bills in an attempt to help the
gambler get back on track)
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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:
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
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LOSING PHASE
LOSSES ARE RATIONALIZED AS BAD LUCK WITH THE "BIG
WIN" RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
THE CYCLE OF WINNING, LOSING AND BREAKING EVEN BEGINS -------- BAILOUTS
NO WIN IS "ENOUGH" OR CAN SATISFY BECAUSE IT IS NOW ABOUT
"HOW LONG CAN I PLAY" OR ESCAPE
LOWERED SELF ESTEEM ---- GAMBLING ALONE --- WAGERS INCREASE --- HIDING
GAMBLING
MORE TIME IS 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 $ IS GONE
LOSES TIME FROM WORK --- SELLS ITEMS TO FINANCE GAMBLING
FEELS REMORSE AFTER GAMBLING ---- ANGRY WHEN CONFRONTED ABOUT GAMBLING
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DESPERATION PHASE
(Most Escape Gamblers reach this phase 1 to 3 years from the onset of
compulsive gambling.)
OBSESSED WITH GAMBLING --- PHYSICAL WELL BEING NEGLECTED
---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)
IF IN RECOVERY FROM ANOTHER DEPENDENCE, POSSIBILITY FOR RELAPSE
LOSS OF SPOUSE, KIDS, JOB, HOME
FREQUENT THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE
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HOPELESS PHASE
POSSIBLE INCARCERATION
EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWN
FINANCIAL RUIN
SUICIDE ATTEMPTS
Escape Gamblers
The following deductions were made by the Arizona Council since 1997
as data has been collected from thousands of compulsive gamblers calling
the 1-800-Helpline and information provided by gamblers attending the
self-help programs across Arizona.
Escape compulsive gamblers share some of the same characteristics
as the Action gambler:
Low self esteem
Become liars
Manipulative
Evolve through four stages: Winning-Losing-Desperation-Hopeless
(although e is no "Winning" stage exists for Escape gamblers,
they do have winning episodes, but not phases. This is because Escape
gamblers play "luck" and Action Gamblers play "skill"
games.
However, there are important differences. Understanding
them can accelerate one's recovery.
Gambling becomes a problem later in life, frequently
after 30 or as late as 80.
Gamble at luck games; slot machines, video poker, bingo,
lottery, other machines, Internet.
Gamble for different reasons than action gamblers.
Are numb, almost in a hypnotic like state while gambling.
Gamble to escape problems.
Are free from physical and/or emotional pain while
gambling
Nurturing, responsible individual majority of adult
life.
Often victim of abuse
Does not like confrontation; in desperate need of empowerment
Often becomes compulsive almost immediately once predisposing
factors emerge
Sometimes has winning episodes after becoming compulsive,
but at this point winning is simply a means of gambling longer.
Usually seeks help for their gambling within 6 months
to 3 years after becoming compulsive.
High probability of long term abstinence from gambling
if able to become empowered by replacing gambling with other activity
and regaining or developing coping skills
Probably codependent. Recovery greatly accelerated
by recognizing and dealing with codependent issues.
Have a much more difficult time in early recovery.
They don't forgive themselves easily and have a deep sense of shame
and guilt.
Spouses of women Escape gamblers are not likely to
attend recovery programs such as GamAnon.
Have a better opportunity at long term recovery; become
more involved in their own recovery.
Are more likely to seek professional help
Need empowering rather than humbling
INSIDE the MIND of the ESCAPE GAMBLER
GENDER NOTE: Although this profile uses "She"
for its example, remember that 49% of the men calling the ACCG Hotline
in 1999 met our criteria for Escape or Late-On-Set gambling.
Typically, the escape gambler becomes enthralled with
playing the slot, video poker, live keno or keno machine. It is exciting,
it is fun, it does not talk back, it requires her full concentration.
She has to pay attention to the results of each roll; keep pushing the
button or pulling the arm; She does not have time to think about her
problems. After just a brief period of time at the machine an almost
hypnotic trance occurs. She realizes she has found a way to completely
forget about all problems in her life. She feels comfortable, happy,
and free from turmoil. She may later report that, in retrospect, she
realizes she was "hooked" the very first time she played.
The next time she has an opportunity to return to the
machine, she has immediate relief from her problems. By the second or
third visit she no longer goes with friends or family. They want to
leave after awhile; she does not. She begins to go to the casino alone,
stays for longer periods of time, goes to the casino more often and
may graduate rapidly to the dollar machine. While at the machine, she
does not have to worry about anything except how to stay longer and
play more often. No one is telling her what to do, no phone calls, no
one wanting this or wanting that, no demands, just freedom. Social needs
are met. The change girl and other gamblers begin to know her and call
her by name; she makes friends with other "regulars;" consequently,
she begins to feel very comfortable while at the casino. Other problems
are forgotten and she is having fun. She has selected a favorite machine.
There are also second and third favorites. The gambler begins to call
it "her" machine. If she goes to the casino and someone else
is at her machine, she is angry. She will go to her second machine,
but would much rather be at her "own" machine. She may talk
to the machine, telling it to "come on, pay up", or swear
at it, and thank it when it pays, but she will usually go back to her
machine time after time. A lady recently said that she accused her machine
of infidelity when she saw another lady win a jackpot at it. However,
as soon as the winner left, she immediately returned to her machine,
forgave its infidelity and continued the affair. Relationships with
a machine are very real.
She begins to make plans about her next gambling trip, always specific
about how much money she will gamble with, and how long she will stay.
She vows that as soon as the money is gone or the time is up she plans
on leaving. However, as soon as she sits down at the machine a trance
like hypnotic effect takes place. She pulls the handle or pushes the
button and all plans are abandoned. She will stay at the machine, often
not even getting up to use the bathroom or eat, only leaving her machine
to go to the ATM or to write a check, asking an employee or another
gambler to watch her machine while she is gone. Even when she wins,
she will continue to gamble until she has depleted all available resources
at that session and leave only when she no longer has money with which
to gamble. Winning at this point only means she can gamble longer. Money
is not real; it is like play money and has no link to reality. While
playing the machine, she may pray to God to just let her win, just let
her get even.
When the escape compulsive gambler is finally out of
funds, she is forced to leave the casino. She gets into her car feeling
precisely like the action gambler who has just been taken out of action.
She may pray , "Please never let me gamble again." She may
swear that she will never gamble again, may curse God for allowing her
to gamble; she may pound on the steering wheel, even scream and cry
on the drive home and have thoughts about driving her car off of a bridge
or into an oncoming vehicle (a thought she quickly abandons for fear
of hurting someone else; as much as she wants to harm herself, she doesn't
want it to appear self-inflicted and she doesn't really want to hurt
a stranger). She will blame the casino, vowing never to return. But
unfortunately, in order to escape the reality of the problems she already
suffers and others she may have just created, she must gamble again.
Once home, she has already prepared lies about where
she has been or what she has done, is already making plans about how
to obtain more money to cover bad checks she may have written and to
obtain money with which to win back her losses. She will probably be
back at the machine the next day or very soon and the cycle will repeat
itself again and again until finally her world comes crashing down.
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CODEPENDENCY & ESCAPE GAMBLERS
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
LEARNING NEW COPING SKILLS
Escape gamblers are literally getting "relief",
getting "escape" from psychological and emotional pain. Many
are actually afraid to stop gambling because they have no confidence
they will be able to endure the pain they fear will come when they stop
medicating themselves with the drug of their choice, gambling. A drug
addict is rarely expected to quit "cold turkey". The gambling
addict must be offered the hope of an alternative way of dealing with
the underlying factors that led them to want the escape-at-all-cost
anesthetizing quality of slot machines, video poker, keno, bingo or
whatever type of gambling they became addicted to.
A twelve step program, in time, can lead to a better
way of coping with the past as well as the present. Most compulsive
gamblers would benefit from therapy by a certified compulsive gambling
counselor, outpatient treatment, or even intensive inpatient treatment
to help them deal with the sometimes excruciating pain of facing reality
and addressing the issues which underlie the addiction.
ESCAPE GAMBLERS AND THE G.A. COMBO BOOK
When escape gamblers come to G.A. for the first time
without any understanding of how their experience differs from the action
gamblers, they may read the yellow combo book, the book that is read
at every meeting of G.A. and is most people's introduction to the program,
and wonder if they are in the right place.
While they will identify with most of the book, it
is helpful to understand, many escape gamblers read page 10-11 of the
"combo" book and do not identify with the immaturity, and
dream world of the "action" compulsive gambler. If they understand
the historical perspective of the program and that escape gamblers are
only now being recognized, it will help them take what is appropriate
to them and leave the rest. It is the opinion of this author that the
twelve-step program of G.A. is vital if one is to obtain long term abstinence
and recovery from compulsive gambling.
WOMEN, GAMBLING AND EMPOWERMENT
The self help programs tell women they must admit powerlessness
over their compulsion to gamble. Ironically, feeling powerless over
all of the problems in their lives may have been a major factor that
led them to gamble in the first place.
What they may need is empowerment; that's what the
machine gave them, a sense of having freedom from being powerless. They
have just been asked to leave the one thing in life that gave them some
sense of freedom, their machine. When they no longer have it, they may
believe they have nothing.
They must be encouraged to replace that illusion of
freedom which the machine provided with some other activities and coping
skills. For those who seek it, the power of the 12 step program often
fills the void.
WOMEN IN GA IN ARIZONA TODAY
Since the Women only Gamblers Anonymous group was started
in the Phoenix area in 1992, women have become very prevalent at other
meetings. Today they make up an estimated 50% or more of the GA meetings
in the greater Phoenix area. Once they began to understand their specific
differences relating to gambling, they began to attend other meetings
in groups of three, four and more. The women began talking about recovery,
not telling "War Stories."
Women have changed the program in Arizona for the better.
When someone you love gambles too much?
Click on the broken heart in the TOP menu.
