What is pathological gambling?
Gambling is a kind of pastime
for many people. About 90% of men in Hong Kong have
taken part in some sort of gambling, such as horseracing,
mahjong, card games, lottery and various other casino
games. To a certain extent, gambling seems to be a
part of our culture. However, when a person's gambling
behaviour becomes out of control and characterized
by a continual need to gamble, even when the person
experiences difficulties and distress from gambling,
he may be suffering from pathological gambling. |
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Pathological
gambling can affect people and people
around him in many different ways. Some
common effects of gambling include:
- Marital conflicts
- Relationship breakdown
- Violence
- Unemployment
- Financial difficulties, debts or bankruptcy
- Criminal activities
- Self-harm and suicide
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What are the early warning
signs?
The following signs may signal
that someone may be developing or have developed a
problem with gambling:
- Go or think about gambling everyday.
- Frequent the gambling venues alone and more often.
- Stay longer at the venue than intended.
- Spend more and more time on gambling than other
favourite activities.
- Lose time from work or school due to gambling.
- Spend the last dollar on gambling.
- Chase the losses by continuing to gamble.
- Argue with family or friends over money matters.
- Not talking honestly to anyone about the frequency
and the amount of money spent on gambling.
- Feel depressed or frustrated and have problems
in sleeping because of gambling.
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How can I prevent it?
The best way to prevent your
gambling behaviour from getting out of control is
to recognize the early warning signs of pathological
gambling and to seek assistance whereas appropriate. |
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What is the treatment?
Treatment for pathological gambling
includes counseling to raise self-management ability
(see How can I help myself). A good counselor can
help you to work out how best to manage your gambling
problem. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medications
to control the feeling of anxiety or depression caused
by compulsive gambling.
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Remember: Understanding
your gambling problem, taking steps to
ensure your financial security, and getting
professional help are key elements to
control your gambling behaviour. |
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How can I help myself?
Gambling is a habitual behaviour. Breaking
it may be hard but it is possible if you are determined.
You could try out the following self-management measures:
- Avoid the venue- Find and substitute other interesting
things you can do during the times when you tend to gamble.
- Set a limit- Stop gambling when you hit the limit no
matter you are winning or losing.
- Control the cash flow- Limit the availability of cash
and protect your earnings by e.g. arranging to have daily
withdrawal limit on your bank account, setting up joint
account that requires two signatures, paying bills electronically,
or putting a "no more credit" notation on your
credit accounts.
- Manage stress- Take regular exercise (e.g. jogging)
and learn some relaxation methods (such as meditation,
yoga) or do things that enable you to relax (e.g. listen
to music, hanging out with friends) to reduce boredom
and ease your nerve.
- Keep a record- Diary may help you to understand your
gambling activities, identify trends and patterns. For
example, you go gambling when you feel bored or depressed,
when you have cash on hand, or when you need money. The
recordings can help you to look for different ways to
cope with your desires.
If you want to discuss your gambling
problem but you do not feel comfortable talking about it
in front of others or with anyone you know, you can try
telephone counseling services which can give you opportunity
to discuss things anonymously. Telephone counseling has
worked well for many men. |
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