Types Of Gambling Disorders

Probably the most glaring revelation to be had from gambling addiction statistics lies in the consequences that result when gambling disorders go untreated. Gambling Trends. As with all types of data, certain trends or patterns of behavior start to surface within a given population. Gambling addiction statistics are no different. Gambling disorder (GD) is a term used in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) to define a persistent and recurrent pattern of gambling that is associated with substantial distress or impairment The term “pathological gambling” was used in the third and forth edition. For gambling disorder have been met for at least 3 months but for less than 12 months. In sustained remission: After full criteria for gambling disorder were previously met, none of the criteria for gambling disorder have been met during a period of 12 months or longer. Specify current severity.

Learn about the six types of gamblers: professional, antisocial, casual, serious social, relief and escape, and compulsive gamblers.

Types Of Gambling Disorders Symptoms

Robert L. Custer, M.D., the first to identify 'pathological gambling' and establish a gambling addiction treatment program, identified 6 types of gamblers:

1. Professional gamblers make their living by gambling and thus consider it a profession. They are skilled in the games they choose to play and are able to control both the amount of money and time spent gambling. Thus, professional gamblers are not addicted to gambling. They patiently wait for the best bet and then try to win as much as they can.

2. In contrast to professional gamblers, antisocial or personality gamblers use gambling as a way to get money by illegal means. They are likely to be involved in fixing horse or dog races, or playing with loaded dice or marked cards. They may attempt to use a compulsive gambling diagnosis as a legal defense.

3. Casual social gamblers gamble for recreation, sociability and entertainment. For them, gambling may be a distraction or a form of relaxation. Gambling does not interfere with family, social or vocational obligations. Examples of such betting are the occasional poker game, Super Bowl bets, a yearly trip to Las Vegas and casual involvement in the lottery.

4. In contrast, serious social gamblers invest more of their time in gambling. Gambling is a major source of relaxation and entertainment, yet these individuals place gambling second in importance to family and vocation. This type of gambler could be compared to a 'golf nut,' whose source of relaxation comes from playing golf. Serious social gamblers still maintain control over their gambling activities.

5. Custer's fifth type, relief and escape gamblers, gamble to find relief from feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, boredom or loneliness. They use gambling to escape from crisis or difficulties. Gambling provides an analgesic effect rather than a euphoric response. Relief and escape gamblers are not compulsive gamblers.

6. Compulsive gamblers have lost control over their gambling. For them, gambling is the most important thing in their lives. Compulsive gambling is a progressive addiction that harms every aspect of the gambler's life. As they continue to gamble, their families, friends and employers are negatively affected. In addition, compulsive gamblers may engage in activities ­ such as stealing, lying or embezzling ­ which go against their moral standards. Compulsive gamblers cannot stop gambling, no matter how much they want to or how hard they try.

Learn more about Gambling Addiction Signs.

Types Of Gambling Disorders Definition

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Types Of Gambling Disorders

APA Reference
Gluck, S. (2008, December 19). Types of Gamblers: Compulsive Gamblers and More, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, December 16 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/types-of-gamblers-compulsive-gamblers-and-more