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Identifying and Addressing the Root of Problematic Gambling Habits Begins with Active Listening

In every encounter with a gambling addict, Dr. Jim Whelan, the director of the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education and Research (affiliated with the University of Memphis), adopts a single approach: he lends an ear. Here, he's privy to personal accounts detailing the individual's struggles.

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5 min read

Identifying and Addressing the Root of Problematic Gambling Habits Begins with Active Listening

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Gambling is a popular pastime for many, but for some, it can turn into a dangerous, destructive addiction. In the US, approximately 2.5 million adults struggle with severe gambling problems, while another 5 to 8 million face mild to moderate issues, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Many people with this disorder exhibit symptoms similar to those with alcohol or drug addictions. In an interview with our website, Dr. Jim Whelan, a professor and the executive director of the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education and Research, spoke about his encounters with patients struggling with gambling issues.

"When I meet a patient with a gambling disorder, I make it a point to listen carefully," Whelan explained. "I hear their stories, their struggles, their highs, and their lows."

Whelan explained that every individual is unique, and understanding their gambling behavior is crucial to helping them recover. "The initial step is to partner with them to delve deep into their gambling habits," Whelan shared.

Gambling addictions, like substance addictions, activate the brain's reward system. Michelle Hatfield, Kindbridge Behavioral Health Chief Clinical Office, explained that this system releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, leading to the development of compulsive behavior.

Hatfield further noted that the primary difference between gambling addictions and substance addictions is that there's no physical substance associated with gambling. Instead, it's a behavior or process that leads to cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal systems.

Whelan added that as individuals with gambling disorders develop a tolerance, they feel the need to gamble more to experience the so-called rewards. When they stop gambling, their urges and the need to gamble escalate, leading to potential consequences.

Hatfield further shed light on the treatment process for those seeking help. She used tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing to help clients challenge their beliefs about gambling, understand their behaviors, and set goals to change them.

In matters concerning self-harm, Whelan pointed out that while it's not the norm, a good third of those who contact them have had thoughts about harming themselves or ending their life. "The commonalities between gambling addictions and substance or alcohol addictions are that there's a failure to regulate when harm occurs, and that failure to regulate includes a pattern of tolerance and difficulties withdrawing the behavior despite the growing presence of harm," Whelan said.

To extend a helping hand, Whelan emphasizes the importance of understanding why individuals are motivated to gamble, assessing their risk of self-harm, and walking with them to fully understand their engagement in the behavior. March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, offering an excellent opportunity to educate ourselves about this often overlooked addiction and its impact on individuals and families.

Insights

  • Gambling addiction shares similarities with substance addiction in terms of its impact on the brain's reward system, leading to compulsive behavior and the development of tolerance.
  • Individuals with gambling disorders often exhibit symptoms similar to those with substance addiction, such as a failure to regulate their behavior despite negative consequences.
  • Treatment for gambling addiction often involves using tools like cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing to help clients challenge their beliefs about gambling and set goals to change their behaviors.
  • Like substance addiction, gambling addiction can lead to self-harm, though this is not common. It's important to be aware of the potential signs and seek help if necessary.
  1. Gambling, a favored pastime for numerous individuals, can transformed into a dangerous, addictive habit for some, as indicated by the National Council on Problem Gambling.
  2. In the United States, around 2.5 million adults deal with severe gambling problems, while another 5 to 8 million experience mild to moderate issues.
  3. Dr. Jim Whelan, a professor and the executive director of the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education and Research, discussed his encounters with gambling disorder patients in an interview with our website.
  4. Whelan values listening attentively to patients struggling with gambling issues, hearing their stories, struggles, highs, and lows.
  5. Every individual's gambling behavior is unique, and understanding it is essential for helping them recover, according to Whelan.
  6. Gambling addictions activate the brain's reward system, leading to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, as explained by Michelle Hatfield, Kindbridge Behavioral Health Chief Clinical Office.
  7. The primary difference between gambling addictions and substance addictions is that gambling doesn't involve a physical substance, but rather, a behavior or process that can lead to cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
  8. As individuals with gambling disorders develop a tolerance, they feel an increased need to gamble for the perceived rewards, as Whelan pointed out.
  9. If they cease gambling, their urges and the need to gamble intensify, potentially leading to negative consequences.
  10. Hatfield utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing tools to help clients challenge their beliefs about gambling, understand their behaviors, and set goals to change them.
  11. Whelan noted that a third of those seeking help have contemplated self-harm or suicide thoughts.
  12. The commonalities between gambling addictions, substance addiction, and alcohol addiction include the failure to regulate behavior when harm occurs and a pattern of tolerance and difficulties withdrawing the behavior despite growing harm.
  13. Self-awareness about one's gambling behavior is crucial during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which happens in March, as Whelan highlighted.
  14. The National Council on Problem Gambling's campaign encourages people to Keep the Play Fair, educating themselves and others about this often overlooked addiction and its impact on individuals and families.
  15. Similar to substance addiction, gambling addiction can result in serious financial consequences, affecting one's personal finance, banking, and investments.
  16. With the rise of online gambling, cybersecurity measures become increasingly important to protect against data breaches and identity theft.
  17. Individuals with gambling disorders may experience cybersecurity risks due to the dependence on digital platforms for their gambling habits.
  18. Skin conditions, chronic diseases, and mental health issues can also be complications of constant gambling, particularly with regards to cardiovascular health, digestive health, eye health, hearing, fitness, and exercise.
  19. Those struggling with gambling disorders may neglect their health and wellness in favor of gambling, contributing to various health issues.
  20. Autoimmune disorders can develop due to the high levels of stress associated with gambling addiction, exacerbating existing medical conditions.
  21. Support from the mental health community, friends, and family is essential in addressing the emotional obstacles faced by individuals with gambling addictions.
  22. Many gambling addiction support groups are available online, providing a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and seek guidance on recovery.
  23. Developing a healthier lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, adopting good nutrition practices, and engaging in physical activity, can help combat the negative effects of gambling addiction.
  24. Implementing financial management strategies can help prevent the financial decay that often results from constant gambling.
  25. While it may initially seem appealing for funding, the gambling industry poses various risks to individuals, finance, and society at large.
  26. CBD has gained traction as a potential treatment for various health conditions, including addiction, with findings suggesting CBD's ability to reduce the desire to engage in problematic behaviors, such as gambling.
  27. Legalizing gambling can lead to social tension, as well as increased rates of problem gambling, leading to the need for stringent regulations and oversight.
  28. Casinos and gambling establishments can exacerbate problem gambling by creating an environment that capitalizes on individuals' addictive tendencies.
  29. As the global economy evolves, financial institutions and wealth management firms play a crucial role in supporting individuals dealing with gambling addiction, offering guidance on managing finances and investments.
  30. Raising awareness about the risks and consequences of gambling addiction is essential in combating its spread and facilitating recovery for those affected by this destructive habit.
Listening attentively is the first course of action for Dr. Jim Whelan, when encountering a patient struggling with a gambling addiction. In his role as a professor and the executive director of the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education and Research (affiliated with the University of Memphis), he hears tales detailing the struggles and experiences of individuals dealing with this disorder.

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