Are you a compulsive gambler? Stanley R. Bier, Ph.D.
info@gamblingproblemkc.com
South Office: 8301 State Line Road Suite 116 Kansas City, Mo. 64114 • Phone 816-361-7400 and Fax 816-361-8180
North Office: 2029 Buchanan North Kansas City Mo. 64116 • Phone 816-474-7322 and Fax 816-474-6202
© 2005 Stanley R. Bier, Ph.D.
Pathological Gambling
A. Persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
1) needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
2) after losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even ("chasing" one's losses)
3) is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
4) has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
5) gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dyphoric mood
6) is preoccupied with gambling
7) lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
8) has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling
9) has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
10) relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling
B. The gambling behavior is not better accounted for by a Manic Episode.
Pathological and even compulsive gambling are often compared to substance abuse and addiction. There are many factors that are directly comparable. However, in one area gambling problems are often worse: Because those who have this illness often steal thousands of dollars to feed their habit, even if they are finally "cured," they may still have ruined their lives with debt greater than they can repay in a lifetime.
