Gambling

Question 1

Problem or pathological gambling is

Answer 1

persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behaviour

• despite its detrimental effect
• (disruption of personal, family or work life).

It is undoubtedly a dependence disorder similar to alcohol and other drugs with a similar approach to management.

Prevalence: 2–3% of adult population

Question 2

Dangers

Answer 2

Suicide risk (high)

Major depression (up to 75%)

Stress-related problems

Domestic violence

Question 3

Key warning signs

Answer 3

Gambling >$200 wk

Chasing losses

Question 4

Other telltale signs

Answer 4

Spending many hours gambling

Placing larger, more frequent bets

Lying about behaviour

Being secretive

Promising cutting back but not doing it

Impulsive activity

Mood swings

Gambling at expense of other pleasant social activities

Growing debts

Excessive drinking

Question 5

Management

Answer 5

Ask (as part of social history)

Consider South Oaks Gambling screen

Firm confrontation if suspected

Consider using the Prochaska and Di Clemente model of change

Give education and basic counselling

Look at family ?domestic violence

Advise family not to provide ‘rescue money’

Refer for specialist counselling if necessary; this includes CBT

Drug treatment inadvisable

Helpful agencies: Lifeline 13 11 14; Gambler’s help 1300 131973; eheadspace.org.au (young adults)