Hope and Help for "Excess Gambler"

Dear "Excess Gambler":

Thank you for writing and sharing your story. I'm sorry things have been so rough and hope that you are seeking help for your pathological slot problem. You are what we call an "escape-relief" gambler.

This is how it works: The interaction between you (your brain) and the machine causes a release of brain chemicals called beta-endorphins--which is the brain's morphine--to be released. This results in a powerful trance with feelings of numbness and relief over which you have absolutely no control. It is a process that becomes addictive because it allows escape from all life's pain. The real downside, however, is that it also creates a NEURAL RE-WIRING OF THE BRAIN!!!! This is the reason why you cannot walk away--whether you are winning or losing. The brain is hooked-in. Since there is no off-or-on switch, you have no control over this. You are powerless of this process---as long as you are in the casino.

The key, is finding out why you are ESCAPING into the casino in the first place. You sound very depressed. If you have been hospitalized, you may be on psychiatric medication. If you are not, you should talk to your doctor about a psychiatric med evaluation. You mentioned playing the machines made you "manic"--perhaps, you have been diagnosed bipolar. Research shows that 75% of gamblers, and especially escape-relief gamblers like yourself have a mood disorder. Question is whether the mood disorder exists before the gambling problem or because of it---we do not know. There is not much funding for research nationally and absolutely NONE available in California.

Finding the source or underlying cause of your gambling---and for pathological gamblers THERE IS ALWAYS AN UNDERLYING PROBLEM--like depression, grief, loss, divorce, death, loneliness, health issues, financial issues, boredom, etc.--can only be discovered in treatment. GA is not the answer---because GA is a support group. I don't know where you live or what treatment resources are available to you but I would be glad to help you find them. You can contact me via the website: spikephd@sandiego-rx4gambling.com


January 1, 2008 I began to offer online gambling treatment via live chat on our San Diego Center for Pathological Gambling website by appointment for a small fee. Initially, this was available only to California residents because other than SDCPG, there are VIRTUALLY NO GAMBLING-SPECIFIC OUTPATIENT TREATMENT PROGRAMS in the State of California---AND NO STATE OR COUNTY TREATMENT FUNDS!!! I wanted to make treatment available and affordable to people suffering from gambling addiction who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it or find it. In the next few months, this online service will be made to available to gamblers across the US---open to ALL gamblers. I will offer brief cognitive-behavioral therapy with a relapse prevention focus in an online chat format for a nominal fee by appointment through PayPal. For more information, please see out website: www.sandiego-rx4gambling.com

"Excess Gambler"---you might be interested in this new program. Please do not give up hope--help is available---escape-relief gamblers have an excellent prognosis if treated by mental health professionals who are certified gambling counselors. Please stay in touch, and let me know how you are doing.

I have an article called "Brain on Video" that shows an fMRI of a gambler's brain which I will post. It shows the effects of gambling on the cingular gyrus section of the right hemisphere of the brain. Most certainly a "scared straight" kind of video. Stay tuned.

WELCOME TO MY GAMBLING BLOG

Pathological gambling is a progressively chronic disorder that results in an uncontrollable impulse to gamble. It has the highest suicide rate of all psychiatric disorders. One out of 5 gamblers will kill themselves. Psychologically similar to alcohol and substance addictions, compulsive gambling affects the entire family. Considered a "pure or hidden addiction" because there are no visible physical effects, it is, however, a diagnosable and treatable condition.

The nation, and especially Southern California, has recently seen an upsurge in the number of Indian gambling casinos. As the popularity of these facilities increases so does the number of potential individuals who will experience gambling-related problems. It is estimated that 1 out 20 individuals have gambling problems. Many of these people currently have little or no resources or funds for getting help and even less available options to discuss or share their problems.

While this blog is not a place to give or receive counseling, the purpose of RX 4 GAMBLING is to open up dialogue and to provide a safe haven to share ideas, vent gripes, offer solutions and post helpful materials concerning problem gambling. In the process, the goal will be to diminish the shame, stigma, isolation, and self-defeating behaviors that are part of the gambler's world.

I look forward to participating in this dialogue with you. For those of you in the San Diego area, you can also visit our treatment site at www.sandiego-rx4gambling.com
Dr. Suz Pike
Licensed Clinical Psychologist CA PSY 16492
CA Certified Gambling Counselor-II (CCGC #122)