Compulsive Gambling
by: James Howard, Licensed Professional Counselor
Director, Missouri Lawyers' Assistance Program

With the proliferation of casinos in Missouri the last few years,it is logical that there would be a commensurate increase in problem gamblingas well. Gambling is defined as any betting or wagering, for self or others,whether for money or not, no matter how slight or insignificant, wherethe outcome is uncertain or depends upon chance or skill. These games ofchance include card games, horse betting or other sporting events, lotteries,bingo, roulette, slot machines and more sophisticated games such as "playing"the futures grain market or stock market. These last two seem to be particularlyattractive to professionals, including lawyers
.
Obviously, most people who gamble do not develop a problem.It is estimated, however, that 3% to 5% of the general population are compulsivegamblers, with the incidence higher in those states with legalized gambling,such as Missouri.

Compulsive gambling is a progressive disorder in which the individualhas a psychologically uncontrollable preoccupation with gambling. The problemgambler becomes obsessed with an overwhelming urge to gamble and, withoutintervention, will continue down a path of destruction, similar to alcoholand drug addiction. The primary symptoms are emotional dependence on gambling(dependency) loss of control, and continued interference with any of themajor life areas, such as health, occupation, relationships, spirituality,legal and financial.

Compulsive gambling is characterized by three stages:
1) the search for action or winning phase;
2) the chase or losing phase;
3) the desperation phase.

The action seeking phase is a way of life in which risk takingand thrill seeking are very important. Gambling is both fun and exciting.It is normal to have enough wins to offset the losses and enough "big wins"to convince the gambler of the potential for becoming rich through gambling.But continued gambling leads to increased losses of both money and self-esteem.To regain these, the gambler borrows money and bets on credit and thenhas to borrow more money to cover the new losses. Despite the occasionalbig win, the reality is that the gambler is going to continue to lose inthe long run. The gambler begins to hide how much is being borrowed andlost and spends more time gambling in the chase to get even.

The gambling behavior intensifies as financial, personal and professionalproblems multiply. The preoccupation with gambling begins to dominatetheir lives in a vain attempt to regain their money and respect. This downwardprogression can last for years resulting in extraordinary losses of productivetime and money. Unless treated, the gambling will reach the point whereit compromises, disrupts and then destroys the gambler's personal and professionallife. These problems further aggravate the gambling behavior. This is thedesperation phase as the problem gambler becomes obsessed with gettingeven and paying off debts. The betting is often done with borrowed or stolenmonies and may be triggered by a large bailout and subsequent losses.

A vicious and destructive cycle is in place which leads to desperateacts of lying, stealing, bad checks, embezzlement, fraudulent loan applications,secret loans, falsified expense accounts, alcohol or other drug abuse,severe mood swings (including anxiety and/or depressions), and contemplationof and attempts at suicide. At some point all of the options run out exceptfor suicide, running away, prison or getting help.

Many compulsive gamblers are unable to ask for help and it becomesup to family members and/or colleagues to take action to pierce the denialthrough an intervention. As with any intervention, it works best when properlyplanned and conducted by a professional. The Missouri Lawyers' AssistanceProgram (MOLAP) can assist with such an intervention.

HOW CAN YOU TELL WHETHER
YOU MAY HAVE A COMPULSIVE GAMBLING PROBLEM?

1. Have you ever failed to show up at your law practice or court due togambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Has gambling affected your reputation, personally or professionally?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Do you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwisesolve financial difficulties?
6. Has your gambling caused or contributed to a decrease in your motivation,ambition or competency as a lawyer?
7. After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible andwin back your losses?
8. After a win do you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
10. Do you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Are you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
13. Has gambling made you careless with the welfare of yourself, yourfamily or your practice?
14. Do you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal actto finance gambling?
17. Has gambling ever caused you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Does stress create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Do you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a fewhours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self-destruction as a result of your gambling?
If you have answered yes to at least seven of these questions youprobably have a gambling problem.
For confidential, professional assistance for compulsive gambling orany other personal problem, call MOLAP at 800-688-7859.

The Missouri Bar, P.O.Box 119, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0119