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BEHAVIOURAL ADDICTION
- GAMBLING
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Gambling Addiction
is a progressive disease much like an
addiction to alcohol or drugs.
People with a gambling addiction
have difficulty controlling their gambling behaviour, even
when it has serious negative consequences for them and
their families.
Their gambling behaviour increases over
time, both in frequency and amount wagered.
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The Three Stages
that a person goes through in
developing a gambling addiction:
The Winning Phase
The person starts gambling as a social pastime, experiences
the euphoria of winning and this fuels further
gambling behaviour.
The Losing Phase
In this phase the gambler starts to lose control and
becomes impulsive. He tries to win back his losses.
If losses accumulate, he will lie and cover
up to escape detection.
The Desperation Phase
At this phase, life is out of control as losses become
unmanageable. Gamblers feel powerless, remorseful and
desperate.
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5 Different Types of Gamblers
1. Professional gamblers
Gambling is their primary source of income.
They are very controlled and are able to keep within self-prescribed bounds.
2. Casual Social gamblers
Those who gamble infrequently and for the enjoyment.
It doesn't effect any major areas in their lives.
3. Serious social gamblers
Gambling that has become a major pastime and
source of entertainment. Although the gamblers
can stop, they would miss it.
4. Relief and Escape Gamblers
Gambling is a major activity in the person's life, of
equal importance with family and business. However
the gambling has not started to impair the gambler's
life and relationships.
5. Compulsive/Pathological Gamblers
Gambling is the major thing in life. They are unable
to stop and lose control of their gambling habits. If
untreated, their gambling behaviour would lead to despair,
loss of hope, and even imprisonment.
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Are You Addicted To Gambling?
There are signs that you should look for in yourself or others:
- Gambling longer than intended
- Gambling until the last dollar is spent
- Thoughts of gambling losses causes stress e.g. loss of sleep,
depression or even suicide
- Using income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid
- Repeated but unsuccessful attempts to give up or control gambling
- Borrowing money to finance
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Treating Gambling Addiction
The good news is that people do recover from gambling addiction.
Recovery begins with the desire to change, and the person
with a gambling addiction is more likely to stay away
from gambling with the right support.
CAMP has trained professionals that can help.
It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. Honesty and
consistency are key factors in recovery
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A Recovery Patient's Testimonial
 Pdf file |
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Singapore Anti-Narcotics
