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When I began counseling gamblers in 2002, gambling addiction was referred to as “Pathological Gambling” and classified as an impulse control disorder in DSM-IV–the same category as trichotillomania (“hair pulling”). There are prominent features of poor impulse control with gamblers, but this diagnosis did not fully capture the manner in which gambling seized control of one’s life and relationships.
Many psychiatrists and therapists who were treating gamblers had already ben successfully using addiction treatment models. In the 2013 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition “Gambling Disorder” is now an addictive disorder. It is the only traditionally-viewed behavioral addiction that is now classified with alcohol and other drugs.
What are the primary differences between psychotherapy for gamblers versus other addictions? Here are a few:
– One can only snort so many dollars worth of cocaine while on a using binge. Same with any other drugs. In contrast, the amount of money that can be spent gambling is limited only by the funds that are available to the individual.
-At the point the average gambler makes their first earnest attempt at treatment, they are approximately $50,000 in debt. The desperation that accompanies “chasing” losses is partially why the suicide rate for gamblers is higher than all other addictions.
– family counseling and financial and debt management is a necessary element of treatment planning. Most gamblers have no problem managing their finances and many are fiscally quite responsible–they simply are addicted to gambling.
The need for private treatment providers for gambling addiction is increasing. One of the greatest deterrents to a gambler seeking help is the fear that their criminal activity will be reported to law enforcement and being a licensed provider under Georgia Law, affords therapist/client privilege. Gambling therapy is a viable specialty for your practice. Ask most experienced clinicians–conventional wisdom for a successful practice is, “Specialize. Don’t be a generalist.” I have worked with addiction for over 20 years. Many that you will see in a private practice setting are self-motivated and so are enjoyable to work with.
There is much more continuing education CEU’s the Council can provide to learn how to counsel gamblers. Check our events page for affordable and sometimes free CEU’s for Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists. We would like this site to be a resource for you as you encounter gamblers in your practice. Also, please review our basic requirements to become a network provider and contact us if you have further interest. Remember: “Don’t become complacent. Stay Uncomfortable.”
-Eric Groh, LPC NCGC II
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